Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Namport Kavango East Football Association (KEFA) Chairperson Patrick Mukoya says Kagcuva Football Club’s call for an investigation into a referee’s conduct does not follow the proper complaint procedures outlined in the Namibia Football Association (NFA) regulations.
Mukoya made the remarks on Friday in a written response to Kagcuva FC Secretary Frans Muhembo, who had lodged an official complaint requesting disciplinary action against the referee who officiated the match between Kagcuva FC and Divayi Football Club.
During the game, 14 yellow and red cards were issued to Kagcuva players and officials.
Players and officials questioned the referee’s decisions, which they perceived as biased, according to Muhembo.
“One of our players, Nshinano Alloys, was shown a yellow card during the half-time break for complaining to the opposing defender, who kicked him twice on the head, but the referee did not caution the defender,” Muhembo said.
He added that team captain Albin Munyenda received a red card after asking why only Kagcuva players were being booked.
Team manager Kanyanga Kapanga was also sent off for repeatedly raising concerns with the fourth official.
“Munyenda was given a card for complaining to the referee about why he is only issuing cards to one team. The captain was already on his last warning,” he said.
According to Muhembo, Kapanga was given a red card for complaining several times to match officials about biased decisions and one-sided cards.
“He was declared disturbing the fourth official,” said Muhembo.
In his reply, Mukoya said the complaint was incomplete and advised Muhembo to refer to the NFA rules.
“After carefully studying your complaint and appeal, we have noticed that the number of yellow cards given in the game is well represented by yourself as a complainant. We, however, do observe that your complaint and appeal have not fulfilled all the procedures of a complaint and an appeal as contained in the NFA statutes and NFA rules and regulations. We encourage you to be very conversant with all provisions and grievance procedures of the two documents mentioned earlier,” said Mukoya.
He added that KEFA remains available to assist Muhembo or any other member in lodging proper complaints and appeals.
