A brewing storm of controversy and wrong decisions by match officials has caught the attention of TS Galaxy owner Tim Sukazi.
Sukazi has voiced his concerns regarding the deteriorating standards of refereeing, with his remarks echoing throughout the football landscape.
The 2023/24 DStv Premiership season witnessed a string of contentious calls that stirred debates and raised questions about the competency of South African referees.
Several fixtures bore the brunt of poor officiating, igniting frustration among fans and stakeholders alike. Notably, Sekhukhune United found themselves on the receiving end of a controversial decision when a goal was allowed, despite goalkeeper Badra Sangare being visibly pushed by forward Gabadinho Mhango. The repercussions were severe, with referee Siyabonga Nkomo and his assistant referee Thamaga Sebati serving a 16-week suspension in the aftermath of the incident.
August was not a kind month for match officials, as referee Abongile Tom and his assistants, Zakhele Siwela and Khamusi Razwimisani, faced suspension due to errors identified in a critical clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs. The repercussions of these decisions have been far-reaching, causing ripples throughout the league.
With the standard of match officiating in the PSL dropping, leading to wrong decisions and controversies, TS Galaxy boss Tim Sukazi reckons that the poor refereeing shenanigans have been happening for so many years. #FARPost https://t.co/Pn6ovIB189
— FARPost_ZA (@FARPostZA) October 16, 2023
Yet, amid this turmoil, a peculiar pattern emerges. The poor decisions, though detrimental to some, have proven to be a boon for others, who have benefited from these questionable calls. The system is in disarray, and the teams bear the brunt of its inconsistencies.
Tim Sukazi’s thoughts on this matter are no secret. When approached by FARPost to shed light on the state of refereeing in South Africa, the Rockets president did not mince his words. He revealed that this crisis is not new; it’s been festering for years. “Look, the state of refereeing is very disappointing. But it’s not for the first time. Four seasons ago, I spoke about it,” he said. Sukazi criticized the lack of attention given to the issue, stating, “So, it seemed like no one was prepared to listen. The media also never drove it in any direction.”
He went on to address the sudden urgency to discuss the issue now that big clubs have been impacted, saying, “Now that some of our best teams have been affected by this, only now everyone wants to talk about it.” Sukazi’s conviction is evident as he underlines that the problem is deeply ingrained and that individuals will be held accountable for the situation one day.
Continuing his critique, Sukazi pondered whether the problem was embedded in the football culture, saying, “Is it part of our culture or what is it? There are people who should know this, and there are people who will be held accountable one day for this kind of situation.” His insights reveal the extent of his understanding, rooted in years of experience with TS Galaxy, even from their days in the National First Division (NFD).
As for solutions, Sukazi acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the time it might take to rectify it. “Solution, you know when a root is deeply rooted it becomes very difficult. It can take years rather than months to resolve it,” he added.
He also questioned the willingness of those in power to make the necessary changes, highlighting that some have benefited from the flawed system. In closing, he challenged the football authorities: “Therefore, do you think it can be resolved? Will there be a willpower, but at the same time, I will give the benefit and utmost trust to those who are responsible for appointing referees.”
