Zimpapers Logo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Referees’ Committee is in the final stages of compiling and forwarding a list of Fifa international referees for the 2018 season ahead of the Sunday deadline.

The October 1 deadline was issued by Fifa deputy secretary general (football) Zvonimir Boban through circular 1594 to its 211 members.

“As you know, the time has come again to nominate referees for the upcoming Fifa Refereeing International Lists. The Fifa Refereeing Department looks forward to working together with you to ensure that this process is smooth and efficient for everyone involved. We look forward to receiving your nominations for international referees, assistant referees, futsal referees and beach soccer referees,” wrote Boban.

Gladmore Muzambi, the Zimbabwe Referees’ Committee vice-chairperson, said his association will meet the set deadline.

He, however, did not reveal names of referees they intend to submit to Fifa, although Zimbabwe presently has 15 officials on that panel, nine men and six women.

Some referees that might be due for consideration include the Masvingo and Midlands duo of Jimmy Makwanda and Munyaradzi Majoni as well as the Hwange-based duo of Bwanali Bonomali and Valencio Zulu.

The quartet remain among the most consistent officials on the local scene, with firm control of the game everytime they are on duty.

With enough game time, Bulawayo’s Happy Mabhena can also fit the bill.

According to Boban’s circular, the proposed referees shall be at least 25 years old (23 years old in the case of assistant referees) on January 1 of the year for which they have been nominated.

Referees must be born no later than December 31, 1992, and assistant referees must be born no later than December 31, 1994, to ensure a minimum level of experience.

“Fifa reserves the right to require referees over the age of 45 (born in 1973 or before) to undergo additional technical assessments as well as specific medical examinations and fitness testing on a case-by-case basis.

“Each candidate must be ranked based on the marks obtained for officiating games at the national level during the 12 months prior to being nominated to the list of international referees,” reads the circular.

All nominated referees must have passed a Fifa-approved fitness test and a medical examination on or after June 2, 2017.

“The Fifa Referees’ Committee will carefully consider all nominations submitted by each member association before deciding who will be named on the upcoming international lists,” Boban wrote.

 Zimbabwe referees on the Fifa list

Men

Referees: Norman Matemera, Nomore Musundire, Pilani Ncube

Assistant referees: Thomas Kusosa, Luckson Mhara, Wirimai Muroiwa, Salani Ncube, Brighton Nyika, Edgar Rumeck

Women

Referees: Rusina Majo, Thanks Nyahuye, Tambudzai Tavengwa

Assistant referees: Faith Mloyi, Stella Ruvinga, Sekai Simango —  @skhumoyo2000