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Border Strikers 0-1 Byo City
BORDER Strikers yesterday suffered a third defeat at Dulivhadzimu Stadium in a match that was marred by match fixing allegations.
Bulawayo City assistant coach Farai Mujokoro was accused of bribing Border Strikers goal minder Talent Sande with $300 to let them win the game by five goals.
According to WhatsApp messages allegedly between Mujokoro and Sande, the money was supposed to be collected by Sande’s sister from Bulawayo City kit manager Gift Mvala.
However, Mvala walked into a trap before kick-off when he allegedly handed the money to Border Strikers treasurer Gift Jera, who was in the company of a woman posing as Sande’s sister.
The matter was reported to the police before kick-off, forcing Mujokoro to disappear from the stadium at halftime.
Mujokoro’s phone went unanswered when Chronicle Sport contacted him last night.
Sande said he was disturbed when Mujokoro approached him and he alerted his superiors, who then set a trap.
“I am still young and I want to build a career based on integrity. Such corrupt tendencies are destroying the game of football in the country. I hope authorities will deal decisively with this issue,” said Sande.
Emmanuel Mandiranga scored the solitary goal in the sixth minute that gave the visitors maximum points.
Bulawayo City coach Philani Ncube said he was unaware of the match fixing attempts, although the WhatsApp messages allegedly indicate that he gave Mujokoro the nod.
“I cannot comment on matters of hearsay that haven’t been brought to my attention,” said Ncube.
Zenzo Moyo, Bulawayo City vice-chairman, said police should investigate the allegations.
“As a team, we don’t tolerate match fixing. Football should be the winner and the responsible authorities should conduct investigations into the allegations.
“We are yet to get full details about the matter,” Moyo said.
Border Strikers secretary Rodlet Chigwinya said they were worried about the match fixing allegations.
“This is killing sport. We played the match fully aware of our opponents’ efforts to influence the result,” Chigwinya said.
Online Reporter