Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Referees Committee vice chairperson and Caf instructor Gladmore Muzambi has urged the Zimbabwe Warriors to desist from protesting against the referees’ decisions as that will only serve to distract them from focusing on the match to the advantage of their opponents.
The respected and retired former referee said it was futile to argue against a decision which has already been made as it will never change.
“Our players should realise that generally in life there are things that you cannot change, specifically in football, players cannot change a referee’s decision, hence its futile to even engage in querying the decisions,” said Muzambi.
The Warriors play Algeria tomorrow, who like most Arab nations, are known for their fiery temperament which is mainly meant to frustrate their opponents, especially teams from the southern part of the continent. However, they are also easily frustrated moreso if their game plan collapses and they are close to defeat.
In years gone by, the North Africans would easily sway officials in their favour but with the advent of technology and more strict rules, referees have since changed their soft spot towards North and West African teams’ antics.
Recently at the 10th African Women Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon, the Mighty Warriors were victims of inept officiating by Burundi referee Suavis Iratunga.
Caf and Fifa have been steadfast in sanctioning incompetent referees, arguing that they bring the name of the game into disrepute while also scaring away potential sponsors.