4 October 2019 – Two assistant referees have been sanctioned following some poor decisions, which have had an impact on the outcome of matches.

Assistant Referee Mervyn van Wyk, who officiated during the Amazulu vs Kaizer Chiefs match on 24 September, has been sanctioned for four (4) weeks of non-appointment in NSL matches.

The same sanction has been handed to Assistant Referee Athuxolo Madela who officiated during the Kaizer Chiefs vs Baroka match on 28 September.

The two assistant referees will only be eligible to officiate in regional league matches (both men and women).

Technical instructors have been assigned to them to help with their rehabilitation – and they are expected to send a comprehensive report, after four weeks, on the improvement of the two assistant referees.

The Chairperson of the Referees Committee, Ms Anastasia Tsichlas, is disturbed by such incorrect decisions, which, unfortunately, have a bearing on the outcome of matches.

“What is puzzling is that we have just had our fruitful Pre-season Course in July, where match officials were taken through rigorous training on offside. We had two of our top instructors on the continent, Mr Lim Kee Chong and Mr Felix Tangawarima conducting the course,” said Ms. Tsichlas.

“These mistakes are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. But our job is to assist them during this suspension period and help them get back on track again. We are confident that they will come back stronger and do a good job.”