By Tendai Chisiri
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Football Association has suspended Premier Soccer League match official Toddy Matenga for six weeks following an officiating error in a recent Castle Lager PSL fixture.
In a statement issued by the ZIFA Media & Communications Department, the association said Matenga will be barred from officiating matches from matchday 8 to matchday 13.
“The suspension follows a report by the match commissioner on the Premier Soccer League fixture between Hunters FC and CAPS United played at Rufaro Stadium on 11 April 2026, in which the match official was cited for an incorrect decision that affected the outcome of the match,” ZIFA said.
The sanction was imposed under Article 22 of the Referees Code of Conduct.
“ZIFA remains committed to maintaining high standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability in match officiating,” the statement added.
Matenga’s suspension follows similar disciplinary action taken against other officials earlier in the 2026 season:
In March this year Referee Nelson Meke, Assistant Referee Mncedisi Maphosa, and Assistant Referee Taurai Muranganwa were suspended for four matchdays, covering matchday 4 to matchday 7. Their suspension related to the Bulawayo Chiefs vs Dynamos FC match at Barbourfields on 19 March 2026, which the Match Commissioner reported “as not meeting the expected standard”.
Also in April Match official Kalota Patrick was suspended for six weeks, from matchday 7 to matchday 12, after an incorrect decision in the Highlanders vs FC Platinum fixture at Barbourfields on 4 April 2026 was found to have “determined the outcome of the match”.
ZIFA has reiterated that corrective measures will be applied where officiating standards are not met.
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