Roderick N’gandu, a seasoned and well-respected football referee in Zambia, was left flabbergasted when reports of his dismissal from the field began circulating on social media. In an explosive interview with Bwezani, he blasted the rumors as “completely unfounded and utterly ridiculous.” He went on to say, “I am a fully accredited match official and renew my participation every year, so the notion that the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) could simply fire me is absurd. It’s like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.”
But N’gandu did admit to being temporarily suspended from his duties, but not for the reasons that were being reported. He revealed, “I was suspended for standing up against what I believed to be a gross injustice within the FAZ. I have always been an advocate for fair play and will not back down when officials are not held accountable for their actions.”
The bombshell revelation didn’t end there. N’gandu also revealed that it was not him who had been fired, but rather his colleague in Lusaka, who had been let go for demanding payment of money that was rightfully owed to him. N’gandu stated, “It’s a sad state of affairs when referees are not paid for their hard work and dedication to the sport. I stand in solidarity with my colleague and will not rest until fair treatment is given to all officials.”
Roderick N’gandu‘s unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of fair play and his fierce commitment to fighting for the rights of his colleagues has earned him a reputation as a true maverick in the football community. His story serves as a powerful reminder that one person truly can make a difference.
