Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Namport Kavango East Football Association (KEFA) is facing calls to investigate a referee’s conduct following a match between Divayi Football Club and Kagcuva FC, during which 14 penalty cards were issued to Kagcuva FC, including two red cards.
Kagcuva FC Secretary Frans Muhembo lodged an official complaint with KEFA Chairperson Patrick Mukoya on Monday, requesting disciplinary action against the referee and appealing the red card issued to team captain, Albin Munyenda.
The match, played on 30 February at the Divayi Sports Field, was described by Kagcuva FC as being marked by biased refereeing.
Muhembo said 12 yellow cards and two red cards were issued to Kagcuva players and team officials, while no cards were given to the home team.
According to the complaint, players and officials were carded for raising concerns about the referee’s decisions.
“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.
Captain Albin Munyenda received a red card after questioning why only Kagcuva players were being penalised.
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. Team manager Kanyanga 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,” Muhembo said.
He added that the appeal is supported by details recorded in the referee’s official match report.
KEFA Chairperson Patrick Mukoya confirmed receipt of the complaint and said the matter would be reviewed.
“Yes, we have received their letter and will respond in due course. They cannot expect us to respond to their letter on the same day we receive it; we need to consult certain laws in the documents,” Mukoya said.
