Wenslus Murape
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE eagerly-awaited Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final between Simba Bhora and Highlanders at Wadzanai was abandoned after 79 minutes following a controversial penalty decision.
Referee Cecil Ngwezere blew to end the match after a 30-minute stoppage as Highlanders captain and goalkeeper, Ariel Sibanda, refused to take his position in goal.
There had been a five-minute stoppage prior to the penalty decision following skirmishes on the terraces.
And when play resumed it only lasted two minutes as Ngwezere awarded a penalty to Simba Bhora for an incident that took place outside the box, according to television replays.
Peter Muduhwa and substitute Tinashe Balakasi collided outside the box but the striker threw himself into the box, deceiving the referee in the process.
This resulted in a stoppage as Highlanders players first protested then walked away to their bench.
And when they returned moments later, captain and goalkeeper Sibanda refused to take his position in goal.
After a 14-minute stoppage, the match officials summoned the two captains to try and map the way forward.
The discussion barely lasted two minutes as Sibanda walked away, leaving his counterpart Walter Musona alone with the match officials.
Despite Sibanda refusing to resume the game, Highlanders players remained on the field .
There was a further attempt to engage the captains and, again, Sibanda walked away and this time the referee blew the final whistle.
The PSL disciplinary committee will now determine the outcome of the match to decide who meets Ngezi Platinum in the semi-final.
The winner between Dynamos and Yadah will face Manica Diamonds in the other semi-final.
Simba Bhora coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, and his Highlanders counterpart Kelvin Kaindu said the conclusion of the match was sad for the game.
“This is really bad that we advertise local football in this way. The fans watching (on ZTN) and the fans paying their hard-earned money to come and be entertained but we give them this, it is very unfortunate.
“Whilst I would not want to speak on behalf of Highlanders, I think it’s bad for our football.”
Kaindu said:
“It becomes very difficult for me to even come for the interview because the match did not end properly. “It is quite disappointing if this is what we are going to display in our local league.
“It is affecting our sponsors and it is also affecting the league. It is not a good thing if we are not completing matches.”
Online Reporter