Zifa suspend two match officials after Highlanders-Chicken Inn clash

Fungai Muderere [email protected]

THE Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has suspended referee Ronald Chinyani and assistant referee Oscar Bumhe from officiating in Premier Soccer League matches for six matches following an incident arising from the Highlanders-Chicken Inn fixture played at Barbourfields Stadium on August 19.

The two match officials will sit out Matchdays 28 to 33 as part of sanctions imposed by the national football governing body.

The decision follows a report submitted by the match commissioner after the Bulawayo derby, in which an incorrect decision by the match officials was deemed to have influenced the outcome of the encounter.

Zifa said the disciplinary action had been taken in accordance with Article 22 of the Zifa Referees Code of Conduct, underlining the association’s determination to ensure that match officials are held accountable for their decisions.

In a statement, Zifa said the sanctions were a necessary step in maintaining the standards expected of officials operating in the country’s top-flight league.

“The sanctions follow the match commissioner’s report from the Highlanders FC versus Chicken Inn FC fixture played at Barbourfields Stadium on 19 August 2026, in which an incorrect decision was deemed to have influenced the outcome of the match,” said Zifa.

The association added that the action was taken in line with its refereeing regulations.

“The action has been taken in accordance with Article 22 of the ZIFA Referees Code of Conduct,” said the association.

The suspension means Chinyani and Bumhe will be unavailable for a crucial six-match stretch of the PSL season, as clubs enter the decisive phase of the campaign.

Zifa also used the announcement to reaffirm its commitment to improving the standard of officiating in Zimbabwean football, particularly at a time when every decision carries significant consequences for clubs battling for the championship, continental football and survival.

“Zifa remains committed to maintaining high standards of officiating, accountability and integrity across the game,” the association added.

The Highlanders versus Chicken Inn encounter attracted significant attention, with the two Bulawayo rivals involved in another fiercely contested meeting at Barbourfields.

The latest disciplinary action from Zifa is likely to reignite debate around officiating standards in the domestic game, while also sending a clear message to match officials that mistakes that materially affect matches will be subject to scrutiny.

With Matchday 28 fast approaching, the suspension of the two officials comes at a critical point in the PSL season, when the pressure on referees, players and coaches continues to increase.

For Zifa, however, the message is straightforward: accountability remains central to maintaining confidence and integrity in Zimbabwean football.

– @FungaiMuderere