EDITORIAL:Poor refereeing let down Premier League marvels

 

THE first round of this season’s Premier league climaxed yesterday with highs and lows.

Putting much weight on what the league table depicts after the end of 15-match round, it is evident that there is an increase of competitiveness and the level of professionalism, though it is the usual giants at the top of the table. 

 

Leaders Simba are 2-point ahead of their closest rivals Young Africans and Azam. The first round had also tactical improvement in terms of individuals’ skills, though it has an apparent hidden battle for supremacy between local and foreign imports.

Crystal clear is the race for the league’s golden boot that sees local hit-men challenging foreign imports in marksmanship. Local star Shiza Kichuya is leading with 8 goals-- followed by Burundian import Amisi Tambwe with 7 goals with popular scorers like Simon Msuva following a close behind.

It is beyond doubt the level of professionalism is swelling in terms of competitiveness, game plans and the overall management. But what could go as a promising season is deeply hurt by poor refereeing, which, in some incidents brought calamity to the entire football fraternity. There were several incidents that suggest this season’s refereeing has been weak, and is not fit for purpose.

The Dar es Salaam derby between Simba and Young Africans was among the worst incidents of poor refereeing. It led at the end to the destruction of seats at the National Stadium as a protest against Yanga’s controversial goal and unjust red card flashed to Simba captain, Jonas Mkude.

Later on after investigation, Mkude’s red card was overturned after it was proved inappropriate.

The clash between Mbeya City and Yanga at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya also witnessed unusual referee’s decisions that could end into disputes and chaos. Luckily it ended after the referee complied with Mbeya City’s demand for a disallowed goal.

 Something here is clearly wrong, but there is no indication that anything will be done to change the situation, let alone improve it to a level of acceptability.

The football governing body, TFF and Football Referees Association of Tanzania (FRAT) must now find better system of picking good referees for the Premier League matches.

They should consider that poor refereeing has already tarnished the country’s football image – and as of today no Tanzanian referee is sought to officiate big matches outside the country.