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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
REFEREES that handled the recently held Zimbabwe Tertiary Institutions Union (ZTISU) Games went home empty-handed after organisers deposited the money into a personal account of one Morris Banda. Banda is understood to be the referees’ physical fitness instructor. Irate officials, who handled the games in Bulawayo last week, told Chronicle Sport that they felt cheated after being informed that their money was deposited into Banda’s account, allegedly because of cash shortages.

ZTISU president Martin Zibwi said his organisation had nothing to do with the non-payment of referees as they had advanced the money to the referees’ authorities.

“We advanced the money to Banda, who was our technical person on the ground and as ZTISU, we would not want to be dragged into this mess, more so as we would still want to use the services of the same officials in August,” said Zibwi.

Banda did not deny the allegations yesterday, but said it was all due to the prevailing cash shortages in the country. “Yes the money was deposited into my personal account, about $800, but it was all due to the problems of hard cash. We have since withdrawn $500 and paid the referees,” said Banda last night.

However, the referees refuted ever being paid and questioned the reasoning for depositing their money into another individual’s personal bank account.

“Who did he pay? As I speak, I have not received a cent. We worked for all those days and naturally we should have been paid after each game, but we were shocked when we heard that the money was deposited into his (Banda) personal account. It’s Sunday and I am yet to be paid for a job that ended last week. It’s not fair,” said one irate referee.

Eight referees and four match commissioners handled the games held at Barbourfields Stadium’s outside grounds.