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Paul Mundandi in Bulawayo
MIGHTY Warriors captain Talent Mandaza feels Swazi referee Letticia Antonella Viana played a part in their defeat in the COSAFA Women Championships final at Barbourfields on Sunday.

With the teams seemingly heading for the lottery, Viana allowed Banyana Banyana to score a controversial goal in the last minute. Botsalo Mosimanewatlala, the second assistant referee from Botswana, did not appear to signal for a goal. Mighty Warriors goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai had managed to scramble Leandra Smeda’s effort from crossing the line.

“We are obviously disappointed since we feel robbed especially with the goal which definitely did not cross the line. It’s football we have to accept but it’s very painful.

“We are just happy that we managed to reach the final after playing very competitive teams like Zambia, Malawi and the guest country Kenya. ‘’Had it not been for the blundering officiating, we could have defended the trophy.

“I would like to thank Zimbabweans for supporting us throughout the whole tournament. They were amazing and I would like to thank the players who performed brilliantly despite the result in the final.

“Still we did our country proud, thank you Zimbabwe, thank you the technical team, thank you ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa and the Minister of Sport, Makhosini Hlongwane, for cheering us” said Mandaza.

Rutendo Makore equalised in the 73rd minute but soon after the goal the Swazi referee’s decisions appear to go against the Mighty Warriors. She even invited the wrath of some Zimbabweans who responded by throwing missiles onto the pitch in protest over her decisions.

Interestingly, another Swazi referee Thulani Sibandze was also involved in the controversial penalty shoot-out loss by the Warriors in the CHAN qualifier. Sibandze was later banned by CAF for his shortcomings on the day which had a huge bearing on the outcome of the match.