In a crackdown on match-fixing, the South African Football Association [SAFA] Vhembe region in the Limpopo province has suspended six match officials for allegedly soliciting bribes from clubs and committing other serious offences.
A four-match suspension has been handed down to the six officials for a range of offences, most notably the solicitation of bribes and the inflation of club match fees.
FARPost has seen an official letter sent to the affected officials by SAFA Vhembe Secretary Sam Matodzi dated 4 May 2026.
The incidents involve clubs in the provincial SAFA Hollywoodbets Men’s Regional League in the region.
“After consulting with our Refereeing Sub-Committee, the league has made the decision to suspend officials due to violations of SAFA’s uniform rules, solicitation of bribes and failure to respect decisions in recent matches,” said Matodzi in a communique.
“Their conduct has compromised the integrity of our games and has nearly tarnished the league’s reputation.”
WHO ARE THE MATCH OFFICIALS SUSPENDED BY THE SAFA VHEMBE REGION?
Khuthama Madala for the match between Daniel Mubva FC and Tshikhwani Stone Breakers. He was suspended for failure to enforce the rules. Ronewa Managa was suspended for inappropriate behaviour and misconduct during the match between Shonisani FC and Duthuni Try Again.
Felicia Rikhotso has also been slapped with a four-match ban for over-charging the teams and failure to respect decisions during the match between Madrtias and Matangari Rising Stars.
Cyril Matela has been banned for four matches for allegedly soliciting bribes during a match between Shilumani Training Academy and Ndiitwani Shooting Stars.
However, this publication has gathered that there was a mistaken identity regarding Matela, as he was never part of the match. FARPost has since established that the association has made a U-turn regarding his suspension.
Ronewa Sigebe and Livhuwani Mbasigidi have both been suspended for failure to enforce rules and respect decisions.
“These suspensions are effective from the Monday, 04 May 2026.”
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