Action hots up in BAFA league

Kusile Madlela Sports Reporter
CONTROVERSY marred a Bulawayo Amateur Football Association (BAFA) match between Rebels, affiliated to league chairman Chris Mtungwazi, and Nga after a player assaulted the referee. BAFA secretary-general Silas Muringani said Rebels’ player Ralph Nkosi assaulted the referee after he was cautioned and the league’s disciplinary committee is set to resolve the issue today. “Last week a Rebels’ player, Nkosi assaulted the referee after he was given a red card for foul play. His reaction can’t be tolerated and we’ve since summoned him for a disciplinary hearing. The hearing will be held at the BAFA offices at Tshaka Youth Centre in Makokoba,” said Muringani.

Muringani said things were heating up in the BAFA league as the teams enter week 13 with new boys Unity Village at the top of the league table.

“The first leg of the league is coming to a close in three weeks’ time and teams seem more determined to hold onto their positions on the log. Newcomers Unity Village have opened up a five-point gap at the top with 28 points. They had been tussling for the top spot with Madamara for weeks, until Madamara slipped up in the eighth week. Unity Village’s success can be attributed to their youthful squad,” said Muringani.

He said youth players were dominant in the league, meaning the style of play has changed with new teams giving teams with older players a run for their money.

“The teams are now recruiting younger players and it seems these youthful players are doing the job. It’s the new teams with youngsters that have added flare and pace into the game. Traditional outfits like Rebels, Nga, Madamara and Safe Guard are finding it tough against the new teams. Some teams have former PSL Players such as Johannes Ngodzo, Gift Lunga, and Bekithemba Ndlovu.

“The transfer window is in July and teams will be offloading and buying players to reinforce their squads. There will be no break as cup games have to be accommodated. We have the Townsend and Butcher Cup in July and we’re looking forward to two or three more cups in the same month,” Muringani said.

Fixtures: Unity Village v Hotspurs, Bayi Bayi v Rebels, Entumbane v Mpilo, Crusaders v Seven Warriors, Byo Tigers v Securico, Anolle Castings v Eleven Stars, Safe Guard v Nga, U8nited v Madamara