By Mubukwanu Kaingu
Referee Shem Nyondo has been suspended by the Zambia Premier League (ZPL) for alleged poor officiating of the Kabwe Warriors versus Nkana match on December 18.
The game ended 1-1 at Railways Grounds in Kabwe.
The Chililabombwe referee is alleged to have denied a penalty late in the second half when midfielder Patrick Gondwe was brought down and action was then halted for five minutes following protests from the Nkana team over Nyondo’s decision.
“The ZPL wishes to inform all stakeholders and the general public that referee Mr. Shem Nyondo has been suspended indefinitely from officiating matches in the Zambian Premier League following his performance during the Week 17 fixture between Kabwe Warriors Football Club and Nkana Football Club played on 18th December 2024 at the Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium in Kabwe,” ZPL Head of Communications Christina Zulu stated.
“Nyondo’s performance in the match which ended in a 1-all draw was deemed below par and prompted the referees sub-committee to act.
“Mr. Nyondo has been suspended indefinitely from handling matches in the Zambian Premier League while further investigations into the matter are conducted.
“A final decision will be made by the Technical Committee of the Referees Sub-committee based on the findings.”
There was an uproar over Nyondo’s decision to deny Nkana a penalty in the game against Warriors particularly from Nkana coach Mwenya Chipepo.
“I am not a coward, I always criticize referees when they do not handle the matches well. Everyone has seen,” Chipepo said in a post-match interview on Wednesday in Kabwe.
“It is not good for Zambian football, I always complain that when they are not officiating well, it was very bad, I am very angry.”
