Zambia: The Football Association of Zambia informed its members and stakeholders on Saturday through its official Facebook page about the appointment of former FIFA referee Derrick Kafuli as acting referees manager.
FAZ team appointed Derrick Kafuli in the wake of the suspension of Aziph Banda.
FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga says Kafuli has emerged as the ideal candidate, given the delicate process of restoring the integrity of the refereeing space in the game.
FAZ Secretary Reuben Kamanga said, “We have appointed former FIFA Referee Derrick Kafuli as acting Referees Manager. Kafuli’s credentials make him an ideal candidate in our quest to rebuild confidence in the refereeing fraternity.”
Meanwhile, Kamanga says FAZ has taken note of the reported boycotts of matches in three provinces arising from various grievances by referees.
“For the record matches have continued to be played across the country with the exception of Lusaka, Central and Southern provinces. We wish to commend the provinces that have kept matches running as we work out a solution in the background,” said Kamanga.
Furthermore, he continued by saying, “We are taking interventional measures in consultation with our members and will duly communicate with the referees through the established channel. Generally, the concerns revolve around transport and unpaid match officiating allowances.”
FAZ has appealed to referees who have boycotted matches to return to the pitch while their issues were being addressed.
“We appeal to match officials that have boycotted officiating to get back to the pitch as we address their concerns,” he says.
“We wish also to remind the referees of their obligations to the game, which are prescribed in a code of conduct that they must abide by at all times. Football is a rule-based game, and everyone must be compliant with the rules.”
Kamanga also added, “FAZ was expediting the process that will see more referees recruited to meet the growing demand across the country.”
“We will be making announcements in due course on the recruitment drive of more referees across the country. Our desire is to groom quality match officials that will be a permanent fixture on the international panel,” he concluded.