SA coach Thabo Senong has opened up on how he is navigating Zimbabwe’s refereeing issues, one of the biggest problems currently marring football in the neighbouring country.
Senong is enjoying a decent start to life in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. Since taking charge, he has overseen two league games: a win over Agama FC and a spirited 0-0 draw against league leaders Scottland FC at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
FC Platinum also beat Blackrock 2-0 in a Munhumutapa Challenge Cup tie on Saturday. Crucially, Senong’s side are yet to concede a goal across all competitions since he took over.
However, the former Bafana Bafana and Sekhukhune United assistant coach admits refereeing is a concern. The Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] has been slapping referees with six-match bans for decisions that were deemed to have influenced match results.
‘I TRY TO BE AS SOBER AS POSSIBLE’ – THABO SENONG
Last week, referees Quedisani Dirwai and Ronald Chinyani, along with assistant referee Oscar Bumhe, were suspended from officiating for six matches.
Coaches in Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League are typically fined R20 000 [USD $1,250] for publicly criticising match officials or questioning the integrity of officiating.
Asked about the refereeing situation and how he has adjusted, Senong said: “I will be honest with you, if you saw what happened throughout the 90 minutes [against Scottland FC], I disconnected from the decisions of the referee,” Senong said after helping FC Platinum hold Scottland FC.
“I try to be as sober as possible, focus on our players individually, collectively. Sometimes I allow assistant coach [Reneilwe] Letsolonyane to take over the coaching moments so that I can observe, because if I put a bit of focus on the referee, then I will lose my eyes and my focus from the players.
“In one game with a team with the superiority of Scottland FC, you will get punished, so I haven’t been really focusing on what the referees are doing. I have been focused on the players, paying attention to our team so that we try to fix some of the issues that we have in-house.”
As pressure mounts over poor officiating, ZIFA is turning to technology for answers. The association will roll out VAR at three stadiums through a private funding deal.
Harare’s National Sports Stadium leads the way and should have VAR installed by December 2026. Rufaro Stadium and Bulawayo’s Barbourfields Stadium are also in line, with the full rollout targeted for March 2027.
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