The referees questioned the recent promotion of Tambudzai Tavengwa, who has apparently failed a number of fitness tests. Tavengwa is said to be related to Maphosa.
“Maphosa promoted her sister’s child, Tavengwa, to be part of FIFA’s Elite referees late last year, yet Tavengwa has never passed any fitness test,” said one disgruntled referee. “Tavengwa was only promoted because of her relationship with the instructor. This is demotivating to most referees, who now know that working hard cannot give you guarantees of becoming a professional.”
Another referee confirmed that Tavengwa was related to Maphosa, adding that she always struggled with her fitness tests.
“Tavengwa only passed three percent of her tests, but she is the only female referee who gets regular game time during PSL matches just because Maphosa is her aunt and has influence at ZIFA,” said the referee.
Maphosa, who would neither deny nor confirm her relations with Tavengwa, claimed she was being falsely accused.
“You know the politics within the sport in our country. I am convinced someone is just out to play with my name because everything we do is conducted according to protocol,” she said.
Early this year, Maphosa was quoted in the media saying the results, along with assessment reports, would determine the referees that would make it into the 2013 ZIFA panel.
Post published in: Football