Reported by Innocent Mvundula-Lilongwe
Amidst escalating tensions between the Central Region Referees Association and Southern Region Referees Association, the National Referees Association of Malawi is considering a shake-up in referee assignments for the upcoming Blantyre Derby.
As the Super League of Malawi prepares for week 5 of the season, recent controversies have overshadowed the highly-anticipated derby. Initial plans to have FIFA Referee Mayamiko Kanjere officiate the match have been met with resistance, following his relocation from Blantyre to the Central Region. The Southern Region Referees Association claims they were not consulted about Kanjere’s move, leading to a rift between the two organizations.
While experienced referees like Gift Chicco and Zebron Lengani have previously handled the pressure of the Blantyre Derby, Chicco’s involvement in last season’s controversial match has left Wanderers reluctant to approve his return. Meanwhile, Lengani has yet to officiate a derby match.
With both associations set to discuss the situation, the likelihood of Mwayi Msungama being chosen as the central referee has increased. Msungama, who has refereed two Blantyre Derby matches ending in draws, brings both experience and neutrality to the table.
Credit: Waganyu