NAPSA STARS ASSISTANT COACH BLAMES REFEREE FOR THEIR LOSS TO MUFULIRA WANDERERS

NAPSA STARS ASSISTANT COACH BLAMES REFEREE FOR THEIR LOSS TO MUFULIRA WANDERERS.

Referee Shem Nyondo found himself at the center of a storm of controversy as furious reactions from Napsa Stars players and officials followed their defeat to Mufulira Wanderers at Shinde Stadium. The assistant coach of Napsa Stars, Geoffrey Hamakwende, pointed fingers at Nyondo, accusing him of biased officiating that allegedly cost them the game.

Hamakwende specifically mentioned two denied penalties and the contentious sending off of Luka Banda as pivotal moments influenced by what he deemed questionable decisions by the referee. Expressing his disappointment with league officials, Hamakwende not only highlighted the immediate pain of the loss but also raised broader concerns about the consistency and fairness of officiating in the league.

The assistant coach’s comments reflect a growing sentiment within the league, with Hamakwende noting that previous complaints about officiating irregularities seem to have gone unanswered. The controversy surrounding this match adds to the ongoing debate about the role of referees and the need for transparency and accountability in football officiating.

On the other side, Mufulira Wanderers’ coach, Justin Chinama, acknowledged his team’s strong first-half performance, particularly praising their quick goals by Patson Kwaitane and Tresor Ilunga. While Napsa Stars displayed superiority in the second half, Wanderers held on to secure a 2-1 victory. The outcome shifted Wanderers to the seventh position with 19 points, while Napsa Stars remain in the 14th position with 11 points. The aftermath of this match highlights the need for addressing concerns around refereeing standards in Zambian football.