Referee banned for six matches in Zimbabwe after Harare Derby error

Caps United players after scoring during the derby. Photo: Caps United Football Club

A referee has been suspended from handling Zimbabwe’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) games following his critical error that influenced a recent Harare Derby outcome.

Referee Owen Manenda has been banished from handling any top-flight league match for his questionable handling of the game between Dynamos FC and Caps United. The game ended one-all at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.

A statement from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) did not specify the actual incorrect decision Manenda made during the match.

The statement reads: “After careful evaluation of the match played at Rufaro Stadium on 18 May 2025 between Dynamos and Caps United, it was established that a critical officiating error occurred that significantly influenced the outcome of the game. This conclusion was based on the match commissioners’ report which highlighted a decision made by the official that contravened the expected standards of performance in top-flight football."

“In line with Article 22 of the Referees Code of Conduct, and in persuant of upholding the integrity and accountability within the game, Owen Manenda has been suspended from officiating in Premier League matches from Matchday 13 to Matchday 18-a total of six matches.”

This is the second major officiating controversy this season in Zimbabwe. Over a week ago, a match between Scottland FC and Chicken Inn was postponed due to violence.

Hell broke loose after Scottland, the newly promoted team, were awarded a penalty on the stroke of full time at Rufaro Stadium in Harare. Several media reports in Zimbabwe report the match was disrupted in the 90th minute when Scottland earned the penalty.