Makawa Accuses Kanjere of Tarnishing Reputation After Red Card

Civil Service United Head Coach Abbas Makawa has accused referee Mayamiko Kanjere of deliberately attempting to damage his reputation following the red card he received during his team’s match against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.

Makawa was sent off in the 45th minute after Kanjere deemed his conduct “unsporting” during a heated protest over Bullets’ third goal, scored by Chikumbutso Salima in the 44th minute.

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Salima connected with a Chrispin Mapemba corner to put the hosts ahead after Civil had twice taken the lead earlier in the match.

Civil officials and players vehemently contested the goal, believing it should not have stood due to a possible infringement or offside. The assistant referee’s flag was seen raised, and they also argued the ball did not fully cross the line before Charles Mafaiti cleared it. The visitors rushed to the assistant referee to express their concerns, prompting Kanjere to intervene. During the commotion, Makawa was shown the red card.

Speaking after the match, Makawa insisted his dismissal was unjustified.

“I am complaining against him. He is tarnishing my image and my reputation. I did not speak and I did nothing—I went there to calm down my team because they were frustrated,” Makawa said.

“He just came and flashed a card at me. He didn’t even consult his assistant referee, who witnessed everything. That is bad. I really am complaining about him for that.”

Despite Chikaiko Batison’s hat-trick giving Civil two separate leads in the second half, Bullets fought back through Peter Banda and Salima’s treble to secure all three points.

The victory sees Bullets top the TNM Super League table with 53 points from 23 games, recording 17 wins, four draws and two losses. Civil remain fourth on 37 points from 23 matches, with 10 wins, seven draws and six losses.