Shabane Mine players celebrating
Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
VIOLENCE erupted at Peak Mine Stadium when Nichrut supporters ran amok and assaulted Shabanie Mine players, officials and supporters in an otherwise entertaining Zifa Central Soccer League match at the weekend.
Shabanie Mine edged Nichrut 1–0. The fracas began in the 89th minute as it dawned on Nichrut’s supporters that their team was going to lose to the asbestos miners, who are yet to drop points during the second half of the season.
About a dozen police details that were at the stadium failed to contain the situation and Shabanie Mine coach Tendai Chikuni sustained a deep cut on the head after being hit by a missile.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Chikuni, who was heavily bandaged, left the stadium a happy man after the win that saw them opening a three-point lead at the top of the table.
“This is an unfortunate situation which is bad for football and we do not condone such kind of behaviour as it is not good for the beautiful game.
However, despite all that happened, I am happy that we managed to maintain the momentum to secure maximum points,” said Chikuni.
“This year’s championship race is a marathon and the team that is going to go all the way will have character. I am happy for my boys because they are beginning to show that even if the odds are against them.”
Results: MSU 1 – 1 Blanket Mine, Whawha 2 – 1 Vumbachikwe, ZRP Gwanda
3 – 0 Chrome Stars, Tongogara 3 – 0 ZRP Beitbridge, FC Platinum U19 1 – 0 Jessie Mine, Nichrut 0 – 1 Shabanie Mine, ZPC Munyati 0 – 2 Ivan Hoe, Gweru United 2 – 3 Kwekwe Sables. – @lavuzigara1