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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
MATABELELAND South-based referee Nduna Nkosana has been omitted from the Fifa approved fitness and medical test list for the elite Fifa referees that will be used to select international referees for 2017.

The Zimbabwe Referees Committee said there was nothing sinister about leaving out Nkosana, although he remains one of the best referees in the country. The committee said the decision was to do with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services official’s age, as he had surpassed the age cap mark.

“Nduna remains one of the capable senior referees on the Zifa panel, (but) just like Masakadza Makonese they can no longer be considered for the Fifa panel hence they will be invited for the Zifa panel selection test after the Fifa selection test. There will also be separate tests for the other referees’ categories below, after that then the different panels for the respective categories will be formulated for the remainder of the season,” said Zimbabwe Referees Committee vice-chairperson Gladmore Muzambi.

Muzambi’s committee called 48 referees for the fitness and examination test set for Harare on Monday next week. The officials will undergo a medical examination on Sunday evening before taking to the track at the National Sports Stadium’s B-Arena the following day.

Among those called for the test are eight female referees that include five from Bulawayo Tambudzai Tawengwa, Faith Mloyi and sisters Saneliso and Sibonokuhle Sibanda.

Also making it is Salani Ncube, Philani Ncube, Peter Simutenda, Hardlife Ndazi, Allen Basvi and Brilliant Sibanda.

Referees list for the Fifa approved test:

Norman Matemera, Ruzive Ruzive, Nomore Musundire, Thanks Nyahuye, Tapfumaneyi Mutengwa, Josiah Masimira, Pedzisai Chadya, Luckson Mhara, Adam Mutenha, Victor Kambadzo, Chenai Ndoro, Asthma Mataya, Collen Muringayi Chenjerai Chihumbiri, Stellah Ruvinga, Bongani Gadzikwa, Wellington Mazambani, Alois Muzorori, Lawrence Zimondi, Brighton Nyika, Pilan Ncube,  Salani Ncube, Faith Mloyi, Tambudzai Tawengwa, Saneliso Sibanda, Tembinkosi Sibanda, Allen Basvi, Peter Simutenda, Hardlife Ndazi, Brilliant Sibanda, Oscah Bumhe, Sibonokuhle Sibanda, Melody Ncube, Claris Simango, Arnold Ncube, Jimmy Makwanda, Brighton Chimene, Antony Siyavhunda, Kuda Majo, Bernard Matenga, Thomas Masaa, Thomas Kusosa, Edgar Rumeck, Muroiwa Virimai, Thabani Bamala, Munyaradzi Majoni, Allen Parehwa and Nyarai Chirwa.

@skhumoyo2000