MBABANE – Eswatini referees delivered an impressive continental performance after flawlessly handling Kaizer Chiefs’ 0-1 CAF Confederation Cup defeat in Zambia.
Eswatini Referee of the Season Thulani Sibandze produced an exemplary display at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, as South African giants Kaizer Chiefs succumbed to Red Arrows. Sibandze was expertly supported by compatriots Zamani Simelane and Banele Thwala running the lines, with Sanele Ntimane serving as fourth official.
Despite the high stakes surrounding the Soweto giants, the officiating team maintained total control. Crucially, neither technical bench raised complaints regarding the match officials. Red Arrows Coach Chisi Mbewe’s post-match frustrations were strictly confined to missed chances, while Chiefs gaffer Fernando Da Cruz pointed to his side’s lack of aggression and the pitch condition.
The flawless outing by the Eswatini quartet stands in sharp contrast to recent controversies elsewhere in continental football. South African FIFA World Cup referee Abongile Tom faced heavy criticism during a CAF Champions League encounter between Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC, who parade Eswatini international Kwakhe Thwala, and Angola’s Petro de Luanda. Tom drew widespread censure for issuing a controversial straight red card to Petro goalkeeper Hugo Marques, before later missing a blatant handball by the substitute goalkeeper outside the area.
As African refereeing regularly faces scrutiny, the composure and technical accuracy demonstrated by Sibandze and his crew mark a proud moment for local football on the international platform.
