Petros Kausiyo, Harare Bureau
AS  the Warriors brace for their third appearance at  the African Cup of Nations, one of their legendary captains Ephraim Chawanda has backed Callisto Pasuwa and his men to impress in Gabon and challenged ZIFA and the country’s football family to help the “golden generation live their dream’’.

The Rock of Gibraltar, as Chawanda was affectionately known, was the leader of the Dream Team under the late Reinhard Fabisch.

This week Chawanda spoke exclusively to Herald Sport, sharing his sentiments on the Warriors and the state of the domestic game.

Chawanda said while his Dream Team gave Zimbabweans “something to dream about, this golden class is living the dream.”

“Under Fabisch we performed at a time when the morale of Zimbabweans was very low due to the economic situation and what the Dream Team brought at that time was relief and happiness. We played with our souls to please the souls of Zimbabweans,” he said.

“I would like to congratulate Callisto Pasuwa and his players for qualifying for AFCON and just like our time they have performed when the morale of Zimbabweans is low due to a tough economic situation but they have managed to actually live the dream.

“While congratulating the team I would also like to make the administration aware of the damage that was done during the Dream Team era where a lot of pressure was put on the coach and there was a lot of interference in the technical operations of the coach.

“We should remember that the Dream Team was on the verge of qualifying and were one game away from qualifying for the World Cup finals in 1994.

“But because of that interference things went askew and we ended up losing both the qualifications for AFCON and the World Cup and if we are not careful we could destroy what the squad has built.

“We have a very strong squad that has a huge potential to go and impress in Gabon and I believe that if we all bring our positive contributions to the coach and his boys, they will make us proud.

“But I am saddened that there is too much negativity around our Warriors so much that a friend of mine even laughed at me in Botswana and said you Zimbabweans a funny people, instead of celebrating that you are the only Southern African country at AFCON you are fighting each other.”

Chawanda warned the ZIFA leadership to be wary of some people he alleged could try to steal the limelight that has been brought by the success of both the Mighty Warriors and the Warriors.

“You can see that there are some people who now want to steal the limelight for the national teams’ successes but my question is why fixing something that is not broken,” said Chawanda.

“Our efforts right now should be directed at giving the coach enough support in his preparations…we should concentrate on getting enough resources to support the players even before they go to Gabon.

“There have been incidences of players threatening to boycott games because of lack of contracts or agreements on bonuses and appearance fees.

These are things I feel should be done yesterday. It is not only a ZIFA problem but a national problem and it deserves the attention of everybody who loves football.”

Chawanda, who is based in Botswana, said he was also not satisfied with the slow pace by ZIFA in drumming up support for the Warriors ahead of the Gabon tourney.

“I think there is a lack of the drive to create that huge hype about our qualification. We have three months essentially to prepare the Warriors and there is some background activity happening but we must be aware that the coach and his players need our support and our motivation now and not in December.

“In December the big guys who matter in industry would have gone for holidays or finished with their budgets so we have to do things right now,’’ said Chawanda.

Now 51 years old, Chawanda is working a programme to try and help revive the junior game in Zimbabwe having spent his coaching career in the lower leagues of South African football as well as in Botswana before stopping early this year.

“I have stopped coaching. One of the reasons is that that all former footballers want to become coaches.

“It is time I move into the administration of the game or other related industries of football which deal with welfare and well-being of footballers and just any other related matters that can bring back a good spin into Zimbabwean football.

“I am working on coming back to do these programmes from Zimbabwe.

“It is an unfortunate situation that we put all concentration on PSL teams and senior national teams and we are hoping that all work at grassroots should be done by academies of which some have questionable intentions and some are mismanaged through lack of expertise’’.

Chawanda implored on ZIFA to reclaim control of the junior development programme.

“We as football loving people of Zimbabwe should find a way of reviving junior football with the structures coming under ZIFA as it was done before.
“I think we the football people should stand up and complement ZIFA in their work and not expect the association to do it alone. Teamwork is not just on the pitch but it should involve everybody’’.
Chawanda attributed the lack of quality strikers in the domestic Premiership to the absence of proper development structures in the game.

Bulawayo Chiefs coach Thulani Sibanda

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Southern Region Division One Soccer League enters its final third of the season with Bulawayo Chiefs back in the title chase, heavily breathing on leaders Bantu Rovers’ neck.

Following table toppers Bantu Rovers’ midweek 2-3 loss to Talen Vision, Chiefs who are second on the table with 41 points from 20 games, are now three points behind the leaders.

The last 10 games of the season will be exhilarating as Rovers who have been at the helm of the Southern Region Division One Soccer League table for the better part of the season will do everything to cling on to top position.

Rovers are away against Hwange Juniors at the Colliery Stadium this afternoon, with the hope of bouncing back to winning ways following two consecutive defeats.

Going into last weekend games Rovers had a nine-point lead which was reduced to six points after they lost 0-1 to Chiefs and during the week they went down 2-3 to Talen Vision while Chiefs benefitted three points without kicking a ball after ZRP Hwange failed to turn-up for their game in Bulawayo.

Rovers’ coach Johannes Ngodzo challenged his players to come out of their slumber and return to winning ways.

“The two losses are just but a minor setback which we must overcome. It happens in football that you hit a bad spell and we hope that we will be able to get a positive result this weekend. Everyone is geared up for the game,” said Ngodzo.

Rovers should be wary of their weekend opponents who held Chiefs to a 1-1 draw a few weeks back at the Colliery Stadium

The young coalminers are known to knock the ball around, starting their build-ups from the back, a play that is almost similar to Rovers’.

How Rovers handle pressure that they found themselves in knowing very well that Chiefs are close by will be key in their approach.

Chiefs on the other hand are at home to an unpredictable Casmyn, with coach Thulani Sibanda wary of his opponents.

“Casmyn are a good side and we’re expecting a tight game. No game is easy in this league and trust me we know that because a few weeks ago we lost to Talen Vision 2-0. Teams in our league are good and I’m sure the remaining matches will be exciting,” said Sibanda.

About the championship race, Sibanda said: “We may be three points behind Bantu Rovers but we’re certainly not thinking about the title. What is key for us is to improve on our past mistakes and make sure that we improve our performance. Bantu Rovers are still favourites.”

A win for Chiefs and a loss for Rovers will leave both teams tied on 44 points with the latter remaining on pole position because of a superior goal difference.

Should Rovers draw and Chiefs win, the former will see their three points lead reduced just to a point.

Meanwhile, championship darkhorses Amagagasi face Victoria Falls Tigers in a resort town derby, with the former who won the first leg 1-0 courtesy of a Nhlanhla Ndlovu strike, hoping to keep up with the leading group.

Ndlovu left Amagagasi during the midseason transfer window to join Highlanders.

Southern Region Division One Soccer League Fixtures

Today: Talen Vision v ZRP Hwange (White City), Bulawayo Chiefs v Casmyn (Luveve), Indlovu Iyanyathela v ZRP Bulawayo Province (Brady Barracks), Technosphere v Makomo (Hwange), Ntabazinduna v Black Boots (Ntabazinduna), Hwange Juniors v Bantu Rovers (Hwange)

Tomorrow: Victoria Falls Tigers v Amagagasi (Victoria Falls), Bosso 90 v ZPC Hwange (Barbourfields, 12PM)

Table

P    W    D    L    F    A    GD    Pts

Bantu Rovers    20    14    2    4    35    9    26    44

Bulawayo Chiefs    20    12    5    3    29    11    18    41

ZPC Hwange    20    10    9    1    20    9    11    39

Amagagasi    19    11    5    3    23    8    15    38

Victoria Falls Tigers    20    8    4    8    18    18    0    28

Technosphere    20    7    7    6    11    15    -4    28

Talen Vision    20    7    5    8    19    23    -4    26

Black Boots    19    6    7    6    22    17    5    25

ZRP Bulawayo    19    6    7    6    16    14    2    25

Bosso90    20    6    6    8    22    22    0    24

Casmyn    20    4    9    7    17    18    -1    21

Indlovu Iyanyathela    20    6    3    11    14    24    -10    21

Ntabazinduna    20    4    8    8    10    23    -13    20

Makomo    20    4    7    9    9    16    -7    19

Hwange Juniors    20    3    8    8    8    16    -8    18

ZRP Hwange    19    2    3    14    10    40    -30    9

—  @ZililoR

Caf president Issa Hayatou

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
CAF member associations will meet for their annual general meeting in Cairo, Egypt on September 29 with the proposal by the Football Federation of Djibouti for the modification of article 18.3 of Caf Statutes regarding the candidacy to the presidency of Caf set to be the highlight of the gathering.

Djibouti wants the hugely unpopular article to be replaced with a more moderate and all encompassing one as it has been generally felt that article 18.3 was crafted to keep Caf leadership among a few circle of individuals.

The controversial article reads; “any candidate to the elections for the presidency of the Confederation of African Football, in addition of possessing the required skills, must be or must have been a member of the Caf executive committee”.

According to the meeting agenda Djibouti wants article 18.3 to be removed with its substitute reading;

“Only member associations are empowered to propose candidacies to the function of Caf president. A candidacy to the function of Caf president is valid only if it is supported by at least five member associations. The candidate with the declaration of support of at least five member associations, a candidate to the function of Caf president, must have played an active role in football as an official of a member association, during four of the last five years preceding the submission of the candidacy, and the candidate will have the obligation to undergo an eligibility check.”

For an amendment of the statutes to be passed, two thirds of the members eligible to vote must be present at the opening of the session and for it to be adopted, three quarters of the eligible members must vote in favour.

Africa football has been run by Cameroonian Issa Hayatou for the past 28 years.

— @skhumoyo2000.

Bantu Rovers’ coach, Johannes Ngodzo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Premier Soccer League has proposed the promotional play-offs for the four teams that will win the Division One championships in the four football regions to be played over three days.

Unlike in previous years when winning the Division One title guaranteed a team automatic entry into the Premiership, as four team from the top tier league have normally been relegated, this  year only two teams will be chopped and an equal number from the second tier league will get promoted.

According to a PSL activity report presented to the board of governors during a meeting in Harare last weekend, the league wants the play-offs to be played at one venue with the first matches played on a Wednesday, second on Friday and the final matches on Sunday. A round robin system will be used.

The venue for the promotional play-offs or even the dates has not been finalised although sources said a Midlands venue was likely.

The identity of the winners has to be known before end of November, the same month that the Premiership season is expected to wrap up so that players can be allowed to rest before the 2017 season which is set to have an early kickoff in February, just after the Total African Nations Cup finals.

“From the discussions it looks like all the matches will be beamed live on SuperSport while a leading communications corporate has been approached with a view of coming up with some form of sponsorship for the play-offs,” said a source.

While the PSL has proposed a three day promotional play-offs, Zifa allegedly want the games to be spread over three weeks on a home and away set-up, something which could prove financially draining for the clubs and prone to match manipulation.

“We will have a position sometime next week, the PSL has not communicated to us regarding their proposed format,” said the Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela.

Bantu Rovers, under Johannes Ngodzo, are leading the race in the Southern Region despite losing two back to back matches while army side Black Rhinos have a 11 points lead in the Northern Region with nine games to go.

Yadah, former Gunners are calling the shots in the Eastern Region while Blanket Mine and Shabanie Mine are neck to neck in the Central Region.

— @skhumoyo2000.

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
IT’S like having Manchester United fans rallying behind Arsenal in England or Barcelona cheering Real Madrid, never mind the opponent.  It’s unthinkable.

Such is the rivalry between these football fans that they would rather have their opponents losing even if a win would have done them a big favour.

Well, back home such an unlikely situation has presented itself this afternoon when FC Platinum host Dynamos at Mandava Stadium and the big question is will the unthinkable happen where Highlanders supporters trade their legendary black and white regalia and wear a blue and white attire as they cheer their biggest football rivals in Zimbabwe, Dynamos?

It’s just unimaginable but possible.

A win for the Glamour Boys this afternoon and a similar for Amahlolanyama at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow against Ngezi Platinum will see the Bulawayo giants reduce the gap between them and FC Platinum to just a point with the two sides yet to clash on Week 29. It will surely be Armageddon.

While in the capital tomorrow another side still in the equation Caps United face How Mine, many within the Highlanders circle believe FC Platinum are the real threat to their first league title in 10 years and perhaps, just perhaps and for 90 minutes they might be forced to dine with their rivals.

DeMbare themselves are not exactly out of it and will tell themselves that they are not doing Highlanders a favour but merely fighting their own cause.

With Dynamos still to play Caps United, the Harare giants might as well be the party spoilers or makers this season.

Statistics in the past three years do not however favour Dynamos as they have not beaten FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium.

DeMbare fell 0-2 in 2013, drew nil-all the following year and last year they were handed a 1-3 hiding but Dynamos came out 1-0 winners in FC Platinum’s maiden season in the league in 2011 and in 2012 they posted a 2-1 win.

Meanwhile, the FC Platinum and Dynamos encounter will be beamed live today on Superport.

Top four teams’ remaining matches:

FC Platinum: Dynamos (home), Harare City (away), Ngezi Platinum (home), Chapungu (away), Highlanders (home), Tsholotsho (away)

Caps United: How Mine (home), Border Strikers (away), Dynamos (home), Harare City (away), Ngezi Platinum (home), Chapungu (away)

Highlanders: Ngezi Platinum (home), Chapungu (away), Bulawayo City (home), Tsholotsho (home), FC Platinum (away), Hwange (home)

Dynamos: FC Platinum (away), Hwange (home), Caps United (away), Mutare City (home), Triangle (away), Chicken Inn (home)

Table

P    W     D     L     F     A     GD     Pts

FC Platinum     24    13    9    2    26    12    14    48

Caps United     24    13    8    3    30    15    15    47

Highlanders     24    13    5    6    31    17    14    44

Dynamos        24    10    8    6    20    15    5        38

ZPC Kariba     24    9    10    5    20    16    4     37

Chicken Inn     24     9    7    8    23    16    7      34

Ngezi Platinum   24    9    6    9    21    22     -1    33

Triangle United     24    9    6    9    23    27    -4     33

Harare City          24    9    5     10    25    21    4    32

How Mine           24    7    10    7    22    20    2    31

Bulawayo City     24    8    7    9    20    21    -1    31

Chapungu            24    7    9    8    21    21    0    30

Hwange                24     7    7    10    19    27    -8     28

*Mutare City     24     6    5    13     19    37    -18    20

Tsholotsho FC     24    5    4     15    17    28    -10    19

Border Strikers     24    4     2    18    9    31    -22    14

*Three points deducted for use of a suspended player

— @skhumoyo2000

Erol Akbay

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
NGEZI Platinum have vowed to stop the Bosso juggernaut when the two sides collide at Barbourfields Stadium in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter tomorrow afternoon.

Highlanders have been invincible in their last five matches, brushing aside all that has come before them, including two impressive come-backs against Border Strikers and that famous win over arch rivals Dynamos, in the process breaking records.

Their win over Harare City in the capital on Thursday was a first against the Sunshine Boys in Harare since their promotion in 2012 while it was a first back to back win over Dynamos since 2006.

All these statistics however do not seem to mean anything for Ngezi Platinum who were early season relegation candidates until the arrival of Tonderayi Ndiraya and an injection of cash by the club’s principals that saw them raid the market during the second transfer window.

One of the players acquired from Dynamos during the second transfer window, talented midfielder Walter Mukanga says they are coming to Bulawayo for business and not planning to lose the match.

“We are not coming there to lose a match,” said Mukanga who is nevertheless doubtful as he only started training on Thursday due to a knee injury.

Tonderai Ndiraya

He has been very influential to the Ndiraya squad and if he makes it into the travelling party, the platinum miners might live true to their threats.
Mukanga said the intimidating atmosphere at Barbourfields Stadium will have little effect on their performance.

“I am not scared about the atmosphere at BF partly  because I grew up in Bulawayo and secondly we always prevailed when I was with Dynamos.

Yes the atmosphere can be intimidating if you are not used to it but we are more than ready,” said Mukanga.

They have only lost once in Bulawayo  from their four visits so far, 0-1 to Bulawayo City but their other visits has seen them draw 0-0 against defending champions Chicken Inn, beat Tsholotsho 2-0 while How Mine suffered a 1-2 loss.

Ngezi Platinum suffered a heavy 1-4 loss at home to Bosso in the reverse fixture.

Highlanders coach Erol Akbay on Thursday told Chronicle Sport that they have not diverted from their declaration that every match now is a must-win for them.

“Like we said recently all the remaining matches are cup finals for us which we must win, it doesn’t matter who our opponents are,” said Akbay.

He said what was important for them was to remain focused and not get carried away as that might see them make silly but deathly mistakes.

“The guys have been told to remain focused and avoid being carried away as we march towards our targets and I must say that so far I am happy with the players, they are more professional now than they were earlier into the season. It’s a marvel to see them go about their business, which is what I want,” said Akbay.

The match will be beamed live on SuperSport.

At Ascot Stadium luckless Bulawayo City will be hoping for a change of fortunes against Chapungu this afternoon.

Bulawayo City were unlucky to lose to Triangle United in a midweek encounter at Barbourfields Stadium in their last league match with goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda gifting the visitors with a priceless second goal which proved to be the match winner.

At the Colliery, Hwange will be eager to compound relegation candidates Border Strikers’ misery tomorrow although the presence of Luke Masomere on the visitors’ bench might unsettle the coalminers.

Soccer Star of the Year finalist favorite Gift Mbweti will lead the Mebelo Njekwa coached Hwange’s strike force.

Today:  Chapungu v Bulawayo City (Ascot), FC Platinum v Dynamos (Mandava) SS

Sunday: Highlanders v Ngezi Platinum (Barbourfields) SS , Hwange FC v Border Strikers (Colliery),
Caps United v How Mine (National Sports Stadium), Mutare City Rovers v ZPC Kariba (Sakubva),
Triangle United v Chicken Inn (Gibbo)

Monday: Tsholotsho v Harare City (Luveve ) SS

— @skhumoyo2000.

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
VICTORIA Falls Tigers defender Lethukuthula Mathe faces a lengthy ban for assaulting referee Bekezela Makeka during his team’s 0-1 loss to Amagagasi in a Southern Region Division One League match on Sunday.

Mathe went berserk and punched Makeka several times for showing him red card for a crude tackle on an Amagagasi player.

The attack was captured on video and is trending on social media platforms. Mathe is the second player in the First Division to assault a referee within a week after Artwell Nyoni of Technosphere reportedly attacked referee Mhaka Magare during his team’s 0-1 loss to Amagagasi last week.

Zifa Southern Region chairman Musa Mandaza, who watched the Victoria Falls derby and witnessed the despicable incident, said he was worried about the level of indiscipline creeping into the league.

He said “stern measures” would be taken against Mathe and Victoria Falls Tigers officials that incited the violence.

Nyoni will also face Zifa Southern Region’s wrath.

“We can’t tolerate uncouth behaviour in our league and what I witnessed in the Victoria Falls derby between Amagagasi and Victoria Falls Tigers is uncalled for.  We are going to take stern measures against the players involved, as well as officials that I saw inciting.

“We’re waiting for the referee and match commissioner’s reports so that we act accordingly and deal with these bad elements of the game which tarnish the image of football,” Mandaza said.

Mathe and Nyoni are likely to join the footballers’ “bad boys” list that has, among others, former Masvingo United goalkeeper Muzondiwa Gonese and the ex-Hwange duo of Ozias Sibanda and Alick Nyoni, who were banned for life for assaulting referees.Victoria Falls Tigers’ manager Joe Manyange seemed to condone his player’s actions.

“He never beat up the referee. They fought. I won’t comment on that issue, go to Amagagasi and get a comment from them,” said Manyange. Meanwhile, Amagagasi’s victory pushed them to position three from four with 41 points from 20 games.

They trail leaders Bantu Rovers, who recovered from a 2-3 loss to Talen vision in a mid-week encounter to clobber Hwange Juniors 5-0 at the Colliery Stadium at the weekend, by six points. Rovers are on 47 points from 21 matches.

Second-placed Bulawayo Chiefs ensured they stay on Rovers’ back by posting a hard-fought 1-0 win over Casmyn while third-placed ZPC Hwange slipped to fourth following a 0-3 drubbing by Bosso 90.

Southern Region Division One Soccer League Results;

Saturday: Talen Vision 2-1 ZRP Hwange, Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 Casmyn, Indlovu Iyanyathela 0-1 ZRP Bulawayo Province, Technosphere 0-0 Makomo, Ntabazinduna 1-1 Black Boots, Hwange Juniors 0-5 Bantu Rovers

Sunday: Victoria Falls Tigers 0-1 Amagagasi, Bosso 90 3-0 ZPC Hwange

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Amagagasi v Black Boots (Victoria Falls), ZRP Hwange v ZRP Bulawayo (Hwange)

Table
P    W    D    L    F    A    GD    Pts
Bantu Rovers                   21    15    2    4    40    9    31    47
Bulawayo Chiefs             21    13    5    3    30    11    19    44
Amagagasi                       20    12    5    3    24    8    16    41
ZPC Hwange                   21    10    9    2    20    12    8    39
Talen Vision                    21    8    5    8    21    24    -3    29
Technosphere                 21    8    8    5    11    15    -4    29
ZRP Bulawayo                20    7    7    6    17    14    3    28
Victoria Falls Tigers      21    8    4    9    18    19    -1    28
Bosso90                           21    7    6    8    25    22    3    27
Black Boots                     20    6    8    6    23    18    5    26
Casmyn                            21    4    9    8    17    19    -2    21
Indlovu Iyanyathela      21    6    3    12    14    25    -11    21
Ntabazinduna                 21    4    9    8    11    24    -13    21
Makomo                          21    4    8    9    9    16    -7    20
Hwange Juniors            21    3    8    9    8    21    -13    18
ZRP Hwange                  20    2    3    15    11    42    -31    9

@ZililoR.

Sports Reporter
THERE will be no seeds when eight teams that made it to the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup go into the pot today to decide the fixtures to be played this weekend.

The draw will take place this morning in Gweru.

According to the draw procedure, “teams shall be paired by drawing of lots. The first four teams to be picked shall play their quarter-final fixture at their preferred home stadium.”

Premier Soccer League Media and Communications Liaison officer Kudzai Bare said the first team to be drawn will host the fifth team, the second team drawn will play the sixth team while the third team drawn date the seventh team.

The fourth team drawn will be at home against the last team in the pot.

Defending champions Harare City, who were the biggest winners in the first round following a 4-0 drubbing of Border Strikers will be hoping to avoid giants such as Highlanders and FC Platinum.

Yesterday, Harare City beat Tsholotsho, whom they could meet in the quarter-finals, 2-0 in a league match at Luveve.

Newboys Ngezi Platinum Stars booked their place courtesy of a comprehensive 3-1 win over Hwange in the first round.

Giants Dynamos and Caps United crashed out at the first hurdle. Log leaders FC Platinum and Highlanders will be hoping to maintain their quest for a league and cup double.

FC Platinum started brightly by dismissing Chapungu 2-0 at Mandava.

Highlanders beat Mutare City 2-1 at Barbourfields and their coach Erol Akbay yesterday said he was comfortable facing any opponent in the last eight.

“If we are given FC Platinum or any other team, so be it. We won’t have much of a choice but to win that match. Anything can happen in football. It’s possible for us to finish the season on a double,” said Akbay.

The Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals will be played this weekend while the semi-finals have been pencilled for the weekend of October 21-23.

The final match takes place on November 5.

Winners of the tournament will pocket $75 000 and grab the ticket to represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup next year.

Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finalists:

Harare City, How Mine, FC Platinum, Highlanders, Ngezi Platinum, ZPC Kariba, Tsholotsho and Triangle.

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
CHIWORORO coach, Lloyd Munhanga, has vowed to fight to the end of the Zifa Bulawayo Province Division Two League title despite falling 0-2 to LG Vultures at Iminyela on Saturday.

Chiwororo, who had gone for a remarkable 12-match unbeaten streak, suffered their third loss of the season on match day 23.

Despite the loss, Chiwororo remain at the top of the league table with 48 points, two ahead of second placed Ajax Hotspurs.

“It’s just unfortunate that we lost the match this weekend. We missed a lot of chances throughout the match and we got punished for that.

“LG Vultures were a better team because they showed character and fought to the end,” Munhanga said.

“The fact that we are at the top of the table has put us under pressure. Most of our boys come from the junior ranks and I think we have been asking a lot from them than they could handle.

“From now on, we are just going to enjoy our game, prepare the boys psychologically because we don’t intend to lose any match regardless of who our opponents are,” said Munhanga.

Ophias Banda failed to thrust Chiwororo ahead from the penalty spot and they were punished when goalkeeper Deon Charimeyi failed to deal with an easy ball from Tawanda Zinaka and it slipped through his hands into the nets.

Mpumelelo Ncube scored the second when Charimeyi punched a free kick straight at the striker to slot home.

Chiwororo’s next match is against Arenel Movers.

Weekend results
Ajax Hotspurs 2-1 Khami United, Toronto 0-0 Lobengula Stars, How Mine 2-1 Mpopoma Pirates, Chiwororo 0-2 LG Vultures, White Birds 0-3 Chicken Inn, CIWU 3-1 Zim Leopards, East Rovers 1-2 CS Distributors, LSU United 0- 3 Arenel Movers.

-@khumzallen

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
BOTTOM club Gweru United have cried foul over what they term selective application of the law by the Zifa Central Soccer League executive after the association turned down their request to have the match against ZRP Beitbridge postponed.

Gweru United requested that the game be rescheduled as their bus had broken down and was being repaired in South Africa.

The match was awarded to ZRP Beitbridge on a 3–0 score line.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we appeal to your esteemed office to postpone our league match against ZRP Beitbridge. Our team bus developed mechanical faults which are being attended to in South Africa,” read part of Gweru United’s letter signed by club chairman Kingston Mutara.

In response, the CSL management turned down the request on the basis that the league is “approaching the end of the season and all the remaining league games will be played according to the fixtures schedule as previously communicated to clubs”.

It is the response of the CSL management that Gweru United felt hard done by as other clubs that had previously made similar requests were granted their appeal.

Gweru United cited Ivan Hoe who were allowed to postpone their game against ZRP Beitbridge.

“Request of this nature have been made before and teams granted postponement of matches. It is our belief that we deserve such consideration as well. As a matter of fact, we still urge your esteemed office to consider reality and grant a re-schedule of the match,” read a follow up Gweru United letter.

Gweru United officials were evasive over the issue, but a source said they are going to take up with matter with the CSL executive.

The source said the club will also question the readmission of ZRP Beitbridge into the league since it’s not provided for in the regional league’s constitution.

Results: FC Platinum U19 2–0 Kwekwe Sables, Whawha 3–0 Jessie Mine, Shabanie Mine 1–1 MSU, Ivan Hoe 3–0 Chrome Stars, ZRP Beitbridge 3–0 Gweru United, Tongogara 0–0 Vumbachikwe, Nichrut 2-2 ZPC Munyati, ZRP Gwanda 0–1 Blanket Mine

@lavuzigara1.

Zinedine Zidane, Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo

DORTMUND (AFP) -Disgruntled Cristiano Ronaldo could make more Champions League soccer history today as his Real Madrid side look to end their losing streak at high-flying Borussia Dortmund.

A hat-trick for Ronaldo in Dortmund, who was left fuming after being substituted on Saturday, would see him become the first player to score a century of European goals.

Ahead of the flight to Dortmund, Real coach Zinedine Zidane subbed Ronaldo for the final 20 minutes of Saturday’s 2-2 Spanish league draw at Las Palmas.

The Portuguese superstar was furious with the decision, storming off the field without acknowledging Zidane.

It did nothing to help his mood when Las Palmas equalised five minutes from the end.

Madrid fans have backed Zidane over his handling of the club’s all-time top scorer with 83 percent supporting his decision in a poll carried out by Madrid sports daily AS.

Ronaldo’s free-kick equaliser in Real’s 2-1 comeback win against Sporting Lisbon in their first Group F, the same night Dortmund won 6-0 at Legia Warsaw, left him on 97 goals in European club competition.

His main rival in the race to 100 goals is Barcelona’s star Lionel Messi, who has 89.

But Borussia want to maintain their unbeaten home record against Real, who have won just four times in 29 away games against German clubs.

Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park stadium has particularly bad memories for Madrid, who have lost their last three visits to the Bundesliga giants.

Their 2-0 defeat at Dortmund in the 2014 quarter-finals came a year after their 4-1 thumping in the 2013 semi-finals when Robert Lewandowski scored all four goals for Borussia.

They also lost a group stage game 2-1 at Dortmund in 2012.

Real’s serene run since Zidane took charge in January has hit a slump in the past week.

The European champions dropped points against Villarreal and Las Palmas to snap a 16-game winning streak in the Spanish league.

Confidence is high in the Dortmund camp.

After their shock 1-0 defeat at newly-promoted RB Leipzig a fortnight ago in the Bundesliga, Dortmund have netted 20 goals in the four games since.

They are second only to Bayern Munich in Germany’s top flight.

As Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put it after last Tuesday’s 5-1 demolition of Wolfsburg: “At the moment no one can stop us. At the very most, maybe Bayern.

“But we can’t be too happy and have to keep working hard.”

True to his word, the Gabon striker netted his sixth goal in seven games in Friday’s 3-1 win at home to Freiburg.

Aubameyang was limping after the victory, but is expected to face the Spanish giants.

Ahead of the Real visit, a tough home match was exactly the warm-up Dortmund needed, according to coach Thomas Tuchel.

“”After the high-scoring and cosy easy games, that came at the perfect point in time,” said Tuchel after the 6-0 demolitions of Legia and Darmstadt before a big win at Wolfsburg.

Dortmund’s main injury concern is former Barcelona centre-back Marc Bartra, who has a groin injury.

Goetze is expected to partner Raphael Guerreiro in Dortmund’s attacking midfield.

French teenager Ousmane Dembele and Germany’s Andre Schuerrle are set to play on the wings to feed crosses into Aubameyang and Co.

Germany midfielder Julian Weigl will play as the lone defensive midfielder in front of the back four.

For Madrid, Ronaldo will start alongside Gareth Bale in the star-studded Real attack.

Karim Benzema is expected to beat out Alvaro Morata for the number nine role after coming off the bench to score Real’s second against Las Palmas.

However, the visitors will be without Brazilian duo Marcelo and Casemiro through injury.

Casemiro’s absence means ex-Bayern midfielder Toni Kroos will be forced to operate as the holding midfielder on his return to Germany. — online

Knowledge Musona

Sports Reporter
BELGIUM-based Warriors striker Knowledge Musona has been investigated by that country’s Gambling Commission for allegedly gambling on matches involving his side KV Oostende in the Pro League, which is a criminal offence.

According to the Belgian website Sporza.be, Musona was investigated together with Olivier Deschacht and Waasland-Beveren goalkeeper Laurent Henkinet by the Gambling Commission in connection with gambling on matches. Reports say the investigations have been concluded and the players were found to have gambled on matches involving their clubs.

“The ProLeague confirmed that “four or five players” were mentioned in the investigation of the committee and now there are two names to fill in Ostend striker Knowledge Musona and Waasland-Beveren goalkeeper Laurent Henkinet. The prosecutor questioned the two men and completed its investigation.

The conclusion is that the two indeed have gambled on games of their own team. It is now up to the Gambling Commission to decide whether the two (will be) fined,” reads the report on the Sporza.be website.

KV Oostende spokesman Bram Keirsebilck confirmed that Musona was questioned by the Gambling Commission.

Dynamos chairman Kenny Mubaiwa

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
A BOARDROOM coup is looming at troubled Dynamos FC as concerned former players and some founding members are set to meet the club’s supporters on October 8 where a plan will be rolled out.

The disgruntled group argues that Dynamos must return to its rightful owners as enshrined in the club’s constitution which stipulates that the holding company runs the football arm that has a board of directors made up of founder members and former players.

“We want to take our club back; we want to resuscitate the glory of this great institution because as it is these guys running it are an embarrassment to Dynamos.

“The brand and culture of Dynamos are no longer functional, the brand has lost its value,” said a former player in an interview yesterday. He asked not to be named but said “people will know during that meeting in October”.

The former player said the club presently had no board and Bernard Marriot Lusengo had imposed himself as the Dynamos board of directors’ chairman.

“These guys used political muscle to bulldoze their way into the system. Marriot is a former player yes, but he was never in the board. The constitution clearly states that a company must be formed and that company was formed in the 1990s as Dynamos Private Limited, which would then run Dynamos Football Club, among other SBUs, but we have people concentrating on the football team only,” said the former player who made his debut for the Glamour Boys in the 1970s and went on to win a number of accolades, including league titles.

He said when the board was appointed, jealousy from those who were not part of the board crept in and they started using their political connections to destabilise the ship.

“The courts endorsed the constitution which is our basis of argument. We want to meet with the supporters so that we apprise them on the correct thing. Former players and founding members must run Dynamos Pvt Ltd, which will have the power to appoint members of the executive to run the football club,” said the ex-player.

Sources said club chairman Kenny Mubaiwa is likely to be shown the door and replaced by former secretary-general Webster Chikengezha, who is believed to have been the stabilising force while still at the club.

The club is yet to replace Chikengezha.

Mubaiwa and Marriot-Lusengo are believed to be the only ones running the club at the moment.

A confused state of affairs was witnessed last week when assistant coach Murape Murape was said to have been fired but 24 hours later he sat on the bench when DeMbare took on Tsholotsho.

@skhumoyo2000

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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
LOCAL football fans should brace themselves for an exciting end to this season’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship race following impressive wins posted by the top three teams vying for the title.

Leaders FC Platinum bounced back from a minor goalless setback against table anchors Border Strikers to inflict more pain on former champions Dynamos with a 2-0 win to take their points tally to 51. Caps United are breathing heavily on their neck and are just a point adrift following their dramatic injury time winner to edge How Mine 3-2.

Highlanders had to come from a goal down to pip visiting Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-1, taking their points to 47, four behind FC Platinum.

The top three clubs have set the foundation for a championship photo-finish having collected maximum points against strong opposition at the end of Week 25.

How the top three teams fare in the last five games is what creates excitement in this championship race.

FC Platinum: The Zvishavane-based side has managed to pick up 18 points in its 10-second half of the season matches, consisting of four wins and six draws.

They are now left with three away trips to unpredictable Harare City, a side that held them to a 0-0 draw in the first half, Chapungu at Gweru’s Ascot Stadium on Week 28 and wrap up their season with a road trip to Bulawayo against relegation threatened Tsholotsho.

FC Platinum laboured to a 1-0 win against Chapungu in the first round and the airmen, who have proved to be hard to beat at home, could blow the table-toppers’ title hopes either by holding them to a draw or handing the Zvishavane side a defeat.

Tsholotsho, who are involved in the survival fight, are also tricky customers for FC Platinum and could be party spoilers in the event the championship and relegation are decided on the last day.

FC Platinum can do themselves a favour and eliminate Highlanders from the title race when Bosso visit them on Week 29. Their other remaining home game is Week 27 against Ngezi Platinum.

If FC Platinum reproduce the results they registered in the first half of the season in their last five games, they will garner 13 points from a possible 15, which would take their season’s tally to 64. With a bit of luck, those points can win them the title.

Caps United: The never-say-die attitude exhibited by Caps United shows their great championship character. If the Green Machine is to win the title, then the players need more such performances to avoid defeats.

The Green Machine last won the championship in 2005 and is left with three out of Harare games against Border Strikers in their next fixture.

Their last game of the season is against Chapungu in Gweru.

If they clear the Strikers’ hurdle, Caps United’s two Harare matches against perennial rivals Dynamos, Harare City and the one against Ngezi Platinum will be key in determining their championship hopes.

Caps United picked 13 points from the five teams in the first round and need to win all their games and hope FC Platinum slips along the way if they are to be crowned champions.

The Green Machine’s toughest games from the remaining five will be against Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum, who are fighting for a respectable finish.

Of the three teams vying for the title, Caps United have picked the most points in the second half of the season, getting 19 points out of a possible 30 from six wins, three draws and a defeat.

Highlanders: Bosso will rue the bad start to the second half of the season where they only managed to collect a point from five games.

However, Highlanders have managed to put their poor run behind them, registering five consecutive wins.

Highlanders have what looks like relatively easy assignments in their remaining games, but then Bosso have many a times flattered only to deceive.

Their next assignment is a trip to Gweru for a date against Chapungu. After the Midlands trip, Highlanders will play two consecutive home games against Bulawayo City and Tsholotsho. Bosso will fancy their chances of marching to victory against these three opponents.

The real test for Bosso comes in Week 29 when they visit FC Platinum at Mandava, a match that is likely to have a significant bearing on the title race.

This means between now and Week 29, Highlanders need to collect maximum points and hope FC Platinum and Caps United drop points.

In reality, the championship destiny is not in Highlanders’ hands as they have to rely on teams playing against fellow championship contenders to do them favours.

If they win all their remaining games, Highlanders can only end the season on 62 points.

Results

Saturday: FC Platinum 2-0 Dynamos, Chapungu 0-0 Bulawayo City

Sunday: Highlanders 2-1 Ngezi Platinum, Caps United 3-2 How Mine, Triangle 1-1 Chicken Inn, Mutare City Rovers 0-0 ZPC Kariba, Hwange 2-0 Border Strikers

Yesterday: Tsholotsho 0-2 Harare City

Table
P     W     D     L     F     A     GD     Pts
FC Platinum                        25     14     9     2     28     12     16     51
Caps United                         25     14     8     3     33     17     16     50
Highlanders                         25     14     5     6     33     18     15     47
ZPC Kariba                           25     9     11     5     20     16     4     38
Dynamos                               25     10     8     7     20     17     3     38
Chicken Inn                          25     9     8     8     24     17     7     35
Harare City                           25     10     5     10     27     21     6     35
Triangle United                   25     9     7     9     24     28     -4     34
Ngezi Platinum                    25     9     6     10     22     24     -2     33
Bulawayo City                      25     8     8     9     20     21     -1     32
How Mine                             25     7     10     8     24     23     1     31
Chapungu                             25     7     10     8     21     21     0     31
Hwange                                 25     8     7     10     21     27     -6     31
*Mutare City                        25     6     6     3     19     37     -18     21
Tsholotsho FC                     25     5     4     16     17     30     -13     19
Border Strikers                   25     4     2     19     9     33     -24     14

*Three points deducted for use of a suspended player.

@ZililoR

Tsholotsho’s MacClive Phiri (left) tries to get the ball from Harare City’s Edwin Madhanhanga during a soccer league match played at Luveve Stadium, Bulawayo, yesterday. — Picture by Dennis Mudzamiri

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
Tsholotsho FC 0-2 Harare City

TSHOLOTSHO FC sank deeper into relegation waters after squandering countless scoring opportunities and were duly punished by visiting Harare City in yesterday’s Castle Lager Premiership match at Luveve Stadium.

Tsholotsho remained rooted second from bottom on the league table with 19 points off 25 matches and needed victory to swap places with Mutare City Rovers.

Mutare City played to a goalless draw against ZPC Kariba on Sunday, a result which presented Tsholotsho with a perfect opportunity to move out of the drop zone with a win.

Tsholotsho had a slow start in yesterday’s encounter and found themselves on the back foot as Harare City’s pressure from the first whistle paid off when Raphael Manuvire connected a Jerry Chipangura cross from the right in the 13th minute.

Chipangura beat Tsholotsho central defender Spar Dube to a long ball that hung in the air for sometime before sending a perfect delivery into the box that Manuvire converted.

Harare City could have put the game to bed in the first half, but killed off the game in the 85th minute through substitute Grey Kufandada, who kept his cool to beat Tsholotsho goalkeeper Mariyoni Chang.

Lizwe Sweswe, Tsholotsho’s coach, said his boys failed to come to the party and need to work hard to survive relegation.

“We just didn’t play well. Our midfielders were slow and second to the ball in most duels. Our game plan was to make sure that we maximise on our possession, but we failed. We just have to go back to the drawing board and work on our shortcomings. I do have fighters in my team and I’m sure they’ll bounce back,” said Sweswe.

Tsholotsho will play two away games in their last five outings against Ngezi Platinum Stars and Highlanders, games they are most unlikely to win.

Their home games will be against Chapungu, Bulawayo City and championship favourites FC Platinum.

Yesterday they struggled to contain Harare City, whose intentions were to get an early goal. The visitors pressed Tsholotsho in the opening 10 minutes, restricting the home side to their own half. Harare City midfielders Ronald Chitiyo and Tatenda Tumba missed the target by a whisker in the first 10 minutes.

After absorbing the pressure, Tsholotsho tried going forward, but could not keep up with the pace of their opponents’ midfielders, who were quick on breaks, especially their wingers Tumba and Chitiyo.

Tsholotsho’s outstanding player of the day Zimiseleni Moyo kept his side in the game by clearing a Chipangura header off the line in the 27th minute.

Three minutes before the break, Harare City keeper Tafadzwa Dube thwarted a Mostafa Ponyera attempt to deny Tsholotsho an equaliser.

Tsholotsho pulled out right-back Trust Nyabinde and defensive midfielder Rodrick Mufudza for strikers Nicholas Mundandishe and Blessing Sibanda in the second half in search of the elusive equaliser.

Tsholotsho’s players either made rushed decisions in the final third or simply missed the target in every chance they created. When Harare City came out of their slumber in the second half, Kufandada, who had replaced Chipangura, then secured all the points with his 75th minute strike.

“It’s good to be back to winning ways and it takes off pressure from the boys,” said Moses Chunga, Harare City’s coach.

Teams

Tsholotsho FC: Chang Mariyoni, MacClive Phiri, Nkosilathii Moyo, Spar Dube, Thandolwenkosi Ncube, Rodrick Mufudza (Nicholas Mundandishe, 72nd minute), Zimiseleni Moyo, Ocient Ncube (Mostafa Ponyera, 35th minute), Nixon Gama, Denford Chirwa, Trust Nyabinde (Blessing Sibanda, 62nd minute)

Harare City: Tafadzwa Dube, Jimmy Tigere (Raymond Uchena, 67th minute), Chapusha Hastings (Martin Vengesai, 46th minute), Honey Chumutimunzeve, William Manondo, Tatenda Tumba, Raphael Manuvire, Edwin Madhanhanga, Ronald Chitiyo, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Jerry Chipangura (Grey Kufandika, 75th minute).

@ZililoR

Erol Akbay

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
HIGHLANDERS coach Erol Akbay believes their game against FC Platinum in the penultimate round of this year’s Castle Lager Championship race could play a big part in deciding the destiny of the title.

The Dutch coach expects a titanic contest following a weekend of successes for the top three teams.

Highlanders, in third place, maintained pressure on log leaders FC Platinum and Caps United as they needed a last-gasp penalty to secure maximum points in a 2-1 win over Ngezi Platinum at Barbourfields on Sunday.

FC Platinum comfortably defeated ailing giants Dynamos 2-0 at Mandava while Caps United edged How Mine 3-2 at the National Sports Stadium.

FC Platinum lead the race with 51 points, four ahead of Highlanders, while Caps United have 50 points with five games remaining in the season and Akbay is optimistic Bosso will end their 10-year barren run in search of the league title.

They have won their last five league games in a row and the Dutch mentor believes their game against FC Platinum at Mandava in Week 29 could be decisive.

“If we can win our next three games, then we’ll have a better chance. I’m sure if we win against FC Platinum it’ll be to our advantage. In fact, that game will probably decide our fate.

“But Caps United could also take advantage. It’s still complicated,” said Akbay.

Bosso will face Chapungu away in their next league game before hosting Bulawayo City.

They will then play Tsholotsho in Bulawayo ahead of the trip to Mandava.

Highlanders will wrap up their campaign against Hwange at home.

“We’ve to win every week. Like I said to the guys, ‘if you want something big you have to win your matches.’ Now we’ve won five games in a row.

“We really want to continue winning and then hope that the top two will drop points at some stage.

“It’s frustrating they also won their games. What matters though is that we’ve to win our own matches consistently.

“I’m happy with the fighting spirit in our side. Sometimes you concede some of those stupid goals and you’ve to work hard afterwards. This is what has been happening but I’m happy with the boys’ fighting character.”

Highlanders had to come from behind with goals from Simon Munawa and Erick Mudzingwa, from the penalty spot, after Ngezi Platinum had taken the lead through Tatenda Machisa.

Although Ngezi Platinum coach Tonderai Ndiraya questioned Bosso’s last-gasp penalty, television replays showed the defender pulled Ralph Matema’s shorts and referee Philani Ncube made a brave, but ultimately correct, call.

Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe was also in bullish mood following their win over How Mine. Chitembwe said Caps will fight their own battles up to the finishing line.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza remained humble after his side completed back-to-back wins over Dynamos for the first time since the miners were promoted in 2011.

“We’re not putting ourselves under pressure because God knows our destiny. We didn’t plan to get goals from set pieces and that is how the game is.

“After the Border Strikers game, we talked to the boys and said, ‘if you really want to win the championship, we have to fight’.

“There are more games to come and we really need to focus,” said Mapeza.

FC Platinum’s last five matches will be against Harare City (away), Ngezi Platinum (home), Chapungu (away), Highlanders (home) and Tsholotsho (away).

HIGHLANDERS have been handed a seemingly easy draw in the Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinals as they will face How Mine this weekend.

In the draw conducted in Gweru today, Highlanders were paired against their city neighbours How Mine who are coached by former Bosso mentor Kelvin Kaindu. With Bosso having collected six points from Chikurupati in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches with identical 2-0 victories at Barbourfields Stadium, it appears Amahlolanyama will have an effortless way to the semifinals. Highlanders however have to be wary of How Mine who booted them out of the same competition in the first round on penalties last season when the match had ended 1-1 in 90 minutes.

Highlanders and FC Platinum, the teams gunning for a double have both been drawn as the away sides in the Chibuku Super Cup last eight. FC Platinum are away to Triangle United, defending champions Harare City were also picked as the away team against ZPC Kariba. The other pairing sees Ngezi Platinum Stars taking on Tsholotsho.

The quarterfinals of the most lucrative cup competition in the country at the moment will be played from Friday to Sunday.

The semifinals are put down for 21 to 23 October while the final is set for 5 November.

Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinals full draw

How Mine v Highlanders, Triangle United v FC Platinum, ZPC Kariba v Harare City, Ngezi Platinum Stars v Tsholotsho

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE controversial 2014 Malaysia/Singapore tour by the Zimbabwe Under-19 boys’ team continues to haunt the Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (Haz) and there are now calls for the recently elected executive to bring to book officials behind that tour.

Allegations of abuse of funds have since emerged with a travel agent allegedly still owed $19 000 by the association under unclear circumstances.

Presenting his key note address as outgoing president of Haz at the association’s elective annual general meeting at Chisipite Senior School in Harare on Saturday, Humphrey Chigwedere said while the state of hockey in the country was encouraging, it was the 2014 dilemma that painted a dark side of the game.

“It has not been well in the School Boys Association ever since the controversial Malaysian/Singapore tour of 2014 which was poorly organised, mal-administered and unprofessionally accounted for.

“This has cost some innocent boys an opportunity to take part in international matches and winning their deserved national colours. It is hoped that the incoming committee will try and assist the schools to resolve this issue and bring to book those who may have misappropriated public funds. I say so because to date a travel agent is still owed close to $19 000 from that tour.

“Our efforts have yielded no result because the leaders of the tour do not co-operate with any inquiry,” said Chigwedere.

He said besides the Malaysian/Singapore tour debacle, the state of hockey in the country was generally pleasing as player registration grew by 42 percent this year.

“However, the national league did not function properly in 2016. Our interprovincial tournaments were poorly attended but the schools successfully fulfilled their fixtures and I am aware that some hockey festivals at schools’ level were held throughout the country in 2016 once again,” Chigwedere said.

Meanwhile, Grant Campbell was elected unopposed as the new Haz president, while the post of vice-president is still vacant.

Sarah Bennet and Gavin Stephens were retained as honorary secretary and treasurer respectively.

The new executive committee members are Virginia Ross, Maxwell Makuvise, Prince Mwale and Kalpesh Parshotam.

The committee will be in charge for the next two years in line with the Haz constitution.

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
MADAMARA have launched an appeal against the Bulawayo Amateur Football Association (Bafa) executive’s decision to award their abandoned Townshend and Butcher Cup semi-final clash to Laduma following chaotic scenes last week.

Madamara claim the decision was made without submissions from both teams and they only got to know about it verbally at a general meeting of clubs on September 21.

Madamara secretary Didymus Maramwidze stated that his club was not amused by the decision, hence their appeal. “The Bafa executive informed us verbally at a general meeting of the clubs, which shows the lack of professionalism within the executive as they did not put their decision in black and white. During last week’s confusion, two executive members talked to the referee and the referee signalled for the match to end prematurely despite the fact that players from both teams were still on the pitch. So we are not sure what they told the officials,” said Maramwidze.

“It is either the Bafa executive is covering up for the gross incompetence by the referee or there is confusion within the executive. Up to now we have not received proper communication from Bafa for the reasons we were denied a chance to play in the final or to have a re-play against Laduma.”

Bafa chairman Chris Mtungwazi said: “I want to confirm that Bafa received the appeal from Madamara FC against the decision taken by the executive.

“We are going to sit as the executive to deliberate on the issue this week and the outcome will be known after the meeting.”

The match was called off in the 76th minute when the referee red-carded Laduma’s Dominick Nyika for dissent after he had been brought down inside the Madamara box.

The referee had first awarded Nyika a free kick on the edge of the box before showing him a straight red after a heated exchange. Laduma players protested and the referee changed his mind and pointed to the spot triggering chaotic scenes as both sets of players started pushing and shoving each other.

The referee then signalled the abandonment of the match as he had totally lost control of proceedings.

@khumzallen

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Referees’ Committee has condemned recent attacks on match officials, with the vice-chairman Gladmore Muzambi urging the police to protect their members.

ZRC hope Zifa will descend hard on players such as Victoria Falls Tigers defender Lethukuthula Mathe, who assaulted referee Bekezela Makeka during his team’s 0-1 loss to Amagagasi in a Southern Region Division One League match on Sunday.

Mathe went berserk and punched Makeka several times for showing him a red card for a crude tackle on an Amagagasi player.The attack was captured on video and is trending on social media platforms.

“It is very disturbing to see match officials being subjected to such abuse. As the referees’ committee, we condemn such acts in strong terms and hope the powers that be deal with these issues once and for all,” said Muzambi.

“I for one have seen a referee dying at the hands of unruly people.  Showman Tsuro died after he was assaulted at Acturus Mine Club long back. If nothing is done about these latest attacks on referees, it will be bad because no one will want to risk their life.” Muzambi also launched a scathing attack on club officials that he alleged were at the forefront of referees’ attacks.

“There are requirements that there should be police details at every game and we’re appealing to the police to be there. There is also need to embark on educational campaigns targeting players and team officials, who are setting a bad example to their players and supporters. What people should also know is that referees are human beings and as such they make genuine mistakes,” Muzambi said.

Mathe is the second player in the Southern Region Division One League to assault a referee within a week after Artwell Nyoni of Technosphere reportedly attacked referee Mhaka Magare during his team’s 0-1 loss to Amagagasi last week.

Our Harare Bureau yesterday reported that there is also an assault case pending in the Northern Region Division One League where a referee was attacked when Mushowani Stars hosted Herentals. Northern Region boss Willard Manyengavana said they were waiting for a police report as the matter was reported to the police.

“We need to act fast and this issue should be resolved before the next fixture as it may inconvenience other teams. Remember Herentals are in the championship race so delaying the ruling will not be fair to them and their rivals. We will collect the police report and leave everything to the disciplinary committee,” said Manyengavana.

The Eastern Region Division One League match between Yadah Stars and Tenax at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare was last week abandoned after 20 minutes when the referee awarded a penalty to the latter. The hosts stormed off the pitch in protest.

Ugly scenes were witnessed at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday in a match between Highlanders and Ngezi Platinum Stars when the platinum miners’ players menacingly mobbed referee Philani Ncube, who had awarded Bosso a late penalty. Ngezi Platinum players confronted the referee led by captain Liberty Chakoroma and Washington Pakamisa and only the intervention of their teammate Patson Jaure probably prevented them from physically attacking the referee.

@ZililoR