By SANDRA MWILA at OYDC –
A REFEREE was yesterday beaten up as Lusaka envoys, Chongwe Secondary School knocked out Mwata Day of Southern Province 2-1 in COPA Coca-Cola Cup semi-finals at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka.
Mwata Day coach B. Simuvwimi and his players pounced on referee Peter Mutambo after the final whistle in a free punch-up, painting an ugly picture on the otherwise exciting annual national schools football showpiece.
Mutambo, a Football Association of Zambia referee, sent the entire Mwata technical bench away from the touchline for alleged misconduct during the match.
But the Mwata crew returned immediately after the match to vent their anger on a hapless referee who had to be rescued from further punishment by some officials.
Zambia Schools Sport Association (ZASSA) president Chipangano Tembo said his body would not condone indiscipline and promised that appropriate action would be taken against Mwata for mishandling the referee.
Tembo said the ZASSA disciplinary committee that comprised of delegates from all provinces would look into the matter and issue a comprehensive statement today on the fate of school.
Tembo said if Mwata would be found guilty of the offence they will be slapped with a two-year suspension from all ZASSA activities.
He said the teacher in question could also be banned from participating in all sports activities for three years.
But Mwata Day assistant coach Obed Mulenya accused the referee of biased officiating.
Mulenya alleged that Mutambo expressed interest in the game because he resides in Lusaka and was in support of Chongwe, the Lusaka Province representatives.
Mutambo, who was rescued by officials from the beatings, said he officiated the game fairly in accordance with the rules and could not understand Mwata’s misconduct.
Chongwe booked themselves a place in today’s finals against Highridge of Central Province through goals from Paul Chilala and a William Chembe penalty.
Mwata hit a consolation goal through Kester Mwale in the first half and now risked not participating in the third place play-off against Mpika.
In the other semi-final, Highridge stormed the COPA Coca-Cola finals after thumping Mpika of Muchinga Province 4-0.
