By McGeorge Mbare
The Zimbabwe Football Association has suspended three match officials over what the Association has termed poor and substandard officiating.
In a statement, ZIFA confirmed the trip of Lawrence Zimondi, Nelson Meke, and Tichaona Mbire have been slapped with suspension ranging from four to six weeks.
“The Zimbabwe football Association wishes to inform all stakeholders and the general public of the suspension of three match officials to performance that fell significantly short of standards expected to top tier matches, ” said the football custodians in the country.
Lawrence Zimondi has been suspended for four weeks following his substandard officiating in PSL matches between Highlanders and Caps United on April 13 and Ngezi Platinum versus Yadah at Baobab Stadium on April 30.
Fellow referee Nelson Meke has been suspended for four weeks following his poor performance in the match between Scotland FC and Herentals FC at Rufaro Stadium on May 1, 2025.
Tichaona Mbire has been handed a six-week suspension following his unsatisfactory performance in the Mwos FC and Manica Diamonds fixture at Ngoni Stadium.
In line with its goal to achieve top-notch officiating, ZIFA stated that it remains committed to upholding the integrity and credibility of the game, and all match officials are expected to perform to the highest degree of competence and suspensions will be handed to those who fail to deliver.
Zimbabwean referees have hogged the limelight for the wrong reasons with poor officiation and blatant bias being their hallmark, football stakeholders will be pleased by the stance taken by ZIFA sending out a clear message that poor refereeing will have consequences.