Referees in Mzuzu are shunning the Mzuzu City FMB Under-20 League games, a situation that has forced the league to use Super League players to officiate the matches.
During last weekend’s games played at Chibavi ground, Moyale Barracks FC player Khuda Muyaba was spotted officiating two games.
Mzuzu Youth Football Committee (MYFC) chairperson Rombani Kabaghe said the situation is a setback towards the development of football.
“We are in a tight situation because we have to follow the calendar, and that is why we have turned to Super League players,” he said.
Kabaghe said Mzuzu has few qualified referees.
“I think the problem is that we have few referees in Mzuzu and there is need to train more referees,” he said.
Commenting on the development, Mzuzu Referees Association chairperson Charles Kalinga said the league needs to officially lodge a complaint to the body on the issue.
“We are aware of the situation, but it is up to the league to approach us so that we agree on the terms and logistics. They are free to meet us so that we can come up with a solution,” he said.
Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) vice-chairperson Zuza Nyondo, who is also the referees’ instructor, described the situation as worrisome.
He said it is unfortunate that this is happening when the city has a number of trained referees who are just staying idle.
