Tembo Concerned by Absence of Zambian Referees in CAF Knockout Stages

Second assistant referee Israel Chikumbi (C) before the match between Kabwe Warriors and FC Muza at the Godfrey Ucar Chitalu stadium in Kabwe. (Photo via FC MUZA media)

With no Zambian referee selected to officiate in the knockout stages of this season’s Champions League and the Confederation Cup, former referee Patrick Tembo hopes the situation will change.

The number of Zambian referees participating in continental assignments has continued to decline, a trend experts have linked to falling standards of officiating in the country.

Tembo told Bolanews in an interview that the situation is not ideal, but he remains hopeful that the country will soon bounce back.

“We have a number of talented referees,” he said. “It is unfortunate that this time around we don’t have a referee in the knockout stages, but with time I am hopeful that we will bounce back.”

Tembo expressed hope that Zambian referees would soon regain representation at the highest levels of African club football.

“Zambia has talented officials who are capable of handling high-pressure matches,” Tembo said. “It’s important that our referees get exposure at every stage of continental competitions to build experience and credibility.”