Just when you thought you’ve heard and seen it all… think again!
But then again, it is probably why it’s referred to as the beautiful game – with all the highs and lows and everything in between.
So, what am I on about?
Well, a rather comical but sad anecdote was doing the rounds following a bizarre incident in a Safa Cape Town’s Third Division fixture between Goal50 United and Trinitarians over the weekend.
Ironically, the drama started without a ball being kicked after two of the match officials, rocked up at the Heideveld Sport Complex without ammunition, i.e. their (officiating) cards which qualifies them to officiate.
However, the referee had to blow off the match much to the frustration and disappointment of the two teams.
Needless to say, the region’s Head of Referees, Zama Yokwana (pictured), was probably not impressed by the antics of his officials.
“The matter will be dealt with by the relevant department,” Yokwana responded to No Bones with Jones. “No further comments until then,” he added.
Meanwhile Goal50’s coach Daryn Crowie, says he was totally gobsmacked of the officials’ lack of maturity and professionalism.
Crowie explained to No Bones with Jones: “A lot goes into the preparation of a team prior to matchday…so to encounter this is surprising and disappointing to say the least. But, if tables were turned and we didn’t prep correctly and forgot our cards etc would the refs have been lenient?
“We can only hope from here on out we remain professional all round and continue to improve and develop so that our football can grow,” Crowie added.
Crowie’s counterpart from Trinnies, Charles Japhta also chipped in.
“According to the rules we must all have cards to play but the two officials didn’t and the game was blown off,” he added.
Meanwhile Heideveld LFA’s president Roger Fortune emphasized this is an issue that should be urgently addressed and never to be repeated.
“The officiating really needs to improve, and I say this with no malice and so that we can try and get in right,” Fortune stated. “Clubs want to speak up but they are scared they will be targeted so they refrain from saying anything.
“The officiating really needs to improve, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. I mean the clubs sacrifice and invest a lot to improve and grow, but for this? Imagine it was us coming to the field without our cards and officials are quick to lambast us – so what now?” Fortune concluded.
