adminThe nervy Harare match official, who seemed to be on a mission to frustrate the hosts from the onset, made a number of dubious decisions much to the disappointment of more than 2 000 fans who watched the encounter.
Buffaloes coach Saul Chaminuka, who also had a chance to field new signings Vincent Makaha and Saprine Muchabaya, had no kind words for Muchenje.
“I have never seen a referee spoil a good match like this.
“I normally do not want to talk about referees simply because I respect their office but one cannot honestly remain silent when you witness such atrocious match officiating.
“I am happy with the way my players have performed. We played as a team but I am really disappointed in the performance of the referee.
“I am even happy because for the first time we played a good game here at home unlike in the past when we used to struggle with our game when playing before the home crowd,” said Chaminuka.
The Mutare army side enjoyed the lion’s share of ball possession and were the first to find the net early in the 15th minute after midfielder Never Musvipa tapped home in a goalmouth melee. The Zvishavane side had a chance to restore parity when Ali Sadiki, who was impressive in the middle of the park, took a crack at goal when he found an opening inside the box to force a good save from Buffaloes goalkeeper Hope Bere 31 minutes into the game.
The visitors’ prayers were answered in the 70th minute when former Motor Action player Allan Gahadzikwa capitalised on sloppy defending from Buffaloes and sent a volley that gave Buffaloes goalkeeper Bere no chance. After levelling terms, FC Platinum increased the tempo and had their opponents on the backfoot, but goals continued to elude them. Former
Dynamos striker Benjamin Marere almost got his name on the scoresheet when he picked a rebound and fired home from close range but the goal was ruled offside.
FC Platinum coach Tendai Chikuni said his team failed to play its usual game because of the bumpy pitch.
“We could have won this match only if the conditions were favourable especially the state of the pitch. I could see my players struggling to hold and pass the ball simply because the pitch is not that conducive.
“Nonetheless, the result is not bad.
“Buffaloes are a good side and they are winning their matches hence I cannot really complain after getting an away draw,” he said.
Meanwhile, former champions Monomotapa rose from the dead and ground a win in four minutes wiping out an early lead by the visitors and preserved their good home record in this exciting Castle Lager Premiership match at Gwanzura yesterday.
Monomotapa’s Ronald Chitiyo came from the bench to score a brace in the 71st and 79th minutes while striker Tawanda Nyamandwe also netted a brace in the 72nd and 74th minute to cancel two first-half goals by struggling Hardbody.
The Gweru side had drawn first blood in the third minute via striker Aleck Marime and forgotten midfielder Malvern Nyakabangwe struck in the 45th minute to give his side a comfortable lead.
Online Reporter