Ref Aziz Nyirenda back after passing fitness test
Mzuzu-based controversial referee Aziz Nyirenda is expected to return to action this coming season after passing physical fitness test held at Mzuzu Stadium over the weekend.
Nyirenda and three others were slapped with a life ban by Northern Region Football Referees Committee (NRFRC) following a match-fixing case in the Carlsberg Cup game involving Chitipa United and Nchalo United last year.
However, the former Fifa referee was exonerated by Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Disciplinary Committee.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the fitness test, Nyirenda said he was happy to be back.
“You know I have passion for the game. Forget about what happened. I am ready for the new season. Passing the test means that I will serve well,” he said
Nyirenda was among 54 out of 80 referees that made the grade after the fitness test, representing 75 percent pass rate.
NRFRC general secretary Clement Kanduku said out of 54 that passed 47 were men while seven were women.
He described the performance as satisfactory, adding that the problem of unqualified referees in the region will soon be a thing of the past.
“The referees came in large numbers to undergo the test. I am sure that the shortage of qualified referees will now be a thing of the past. The referees were also drilled how to handle matches and this help us to improve our performance,” said Kanduku. n
