Chaos mars Tigers' victory over Young African
Drama unfolded on Friday when Young African crossed paths with Tigers.
Tigers' 1-0 victory over Young African on Friday in the eighth round of the 2018/19 MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) at the Sam Nujoma Stadium was marred by chaos at the end of the match.
Rookie referee Wihelm Haitembu produced a sub-standard performance which culminated in Young African players and officials chasing him across the field after he blew the final whistle.
African felt Haitembu had denied them a clear penalty right at the end when Tigers' Zimbabwean import Knowledge Mutyoraringa handled the ball in his 18-yard box.
With everyone expecting the match official to point to the spot, Haitembu opted to finish the match, much to Tigers' relief.
Dismayed Young African players and officials then chased the referee and pushed him around until security officers intervened.
Tigers had taken the lead late in the match through substitute Deon Tjizumaue, who dribbled his way into the box from the left flank before exchanging passes with Muna Katupose.
Tjizumaue then finished off the move with a precise shot into the corner of the net to give his side a second consecutive victory.
African then threw everything into the attack, resulting in their penalty shot which caused pandemonium.
Young African coach and club owner Maleagi Ngarizemo was furious and blamed the match officiating on the current state of affairs at the Namibia Football Association (NFA).
“These guys did not receive any training this season, that is why they are so poor. They are killing our football. How was this guy selected to handle this match? He is from Wambo location, where Tigers is based. He is friends with them and meets with these players regularly,” Ngarizemo said.
He said those responsible for selecting match officials could have used a referee from elsewhere to avoid controversy.
The Young African owner accused the NFA of short-changing the NPL by failing to train the referees, saying he hopes the football mother body puts its house in order.
“We pay the salaries of these referees but we cannot even call them to order as they are under the NFA's guidance and control. This match was decided by the match official. This is pathetic, these referees must attend courses,” he said.
His opposite number, Mervin Mbakera, chose not to comment on the decision, but did say the official's decision was final.
“These guys are human beings like us. If there is room for improvement we have to let them improve. I think there are rightful people who assess their performance, hence I think that is the rightful person to answer that question of the match official's performance,” he said.
Weekend results:
On Saturday Rundu-based Julinho Sporting beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 in a tantalising match at the Rundu Sport Field. Mighty Gunners followed suit and won their match 2-1 against Eleven Arrows at Mokati Stadium. Citizens played to a one-all draw against Life Fighters, whereas Civics ended Saturday's matches with a 4-3 win over Life Fighters.
-NAMPA
Rookie referee Wihelm Haitembu produced a sub-standard performance which culminated in Young African players and officials chasing him across the field after he blew the final whistle.
African felt Haitembu had denied them a clear penalty right at the end when Tigers' Zimbabwean import Knowledge Mutyoraringa handled the ball in his 18-yard box.
With everyone expecting the match official to point to the spot, Haitembu opted to finish the match, much to Tigers' relief.
Dismayed Young African players and officials then chased the referee and pushed him around until security officers intervened.
Tigers had taken the lead late in the match through substitute Deon Tjizumaue, who dribbled his way into the box from the left flank before exchanging passes with Muna Katupose.
Tjizumaue then finished off the move with a precise shot into the corner of the net to give his side a second consecutive victory.
African then threw everything into the attack, resulting in their penalty shot which caused pandemonium.
Young African coach and club owner Maleagi Ngarizemo was furious and blamed the match officiating on the current state of affairs at the Namibia Football Association (NFA).
“These guys did not receive any training this season, that is why they are so poor. They are killing our football. How was this guy selected to handle this match? He is from Wambo location, where Tigers is based. He is friends with them and meets with these players regularly,” Ngarizemo said.
He said those responsible for selecting match officials could have used a referee from elsewhere to avoid controversy.
The Young African owner accused the NFA of short-changing the NPL by failing to train the referees, saying he hopes the football mother body puts its house in order.
“We pay the salaries of these referees but we cannot even call them to order as they are under the NFA's guidance and control. This match was decided by the match official. This is pathetic, these referees must attend courses,” he said.
His opposite number, Mervin Mbakera, chose not to comment on the decision, but did say the official's decision was final.
“These guys are human beings like us. If there is room for improvement we have to let them improve. I think there are rightful people who assess their performance, hence I think that is the rightful person to answer that question of the match official's performance,” he said.
Weekend results:
On Saturday Rundu-based Julinho Sporting beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 in a tantalising match at the Rundu Sport Field. Mighty Gunners followed suit and won their match 2-1 against Eleven Arrows at Mokati Stadium. Citizens played to a one-all draw against Life Fighters, whereas Civics ended Saturday's matches with a 4-3 win over Life Fighters.
-NAMPA
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