Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IF FC Platinum go on to win the Premier Soccer League title with three or less points above the runners-up then it will be because of a shocking show by referee Rusununguko Mutero.
That will also be the case should Greenfuel get relegated for having, at least, one point short of the safety line.
This man was supposed to be the-in-charge of the game between Greenfuel and FC Platinum at the Greenfuel on Saturday.
But he literally never sat his foot in Chisumbanje and the match unfolded in a manner that’s not acceptable even at kindergarten level.
FC Platinum won the match 1-0 courtesy of a Jarrison Selemani free-kick that he expertly lifted over the wall and past Ashley Rayners to ensure the points, just moments before Mutero’s final whistle.
Probably that final whistle was the only correct call he made throughout the entire 90 minutes.
FC Platinum took their points tally to 40 and they have a game in hand against Manica Diamonds to fully capitalise on and start dominating the title discourse again.
Greenfuel are not safe from the chop and they needed the full points to ease the pressure.
They did everything to merit the win and the victory could have come in a big way had it not been for Mutero’s shameless act.
Right in the opening moments of the game, Greenfuel forward Harrison Masina, a menace for the visitors throughout the game, beat David Bizabani, who kept goal for FC Platinum against his former club, to the ball.
Bizabani clipped the striker right inside the box in a situation that should have seen the ‘keeper being yellow-carded and Greenfuel awarded a penalty but Mutero couldn’t have any of that.
Maybe it was a mistake from him but moments later, FC Platinum defender Misheck Ngwenya handled in the box and again, Mutero ignored it totally.
Greenfuel pinned down their visitors, fashioning out good chances and at times Mutero would just blow for no apparent reason as if to disadvantage the home team.
The second half was more or less the same in terms of Greenfuel dominating every phase of play as well as ball and territory and yet again Mutero, when Bongeni Ndlovu handled, in what was supposed to be the third penalty for the hosts, waved it away.
And right in the end, Mutero handed FC Platinum a free-kick which Selemani bundled home to underline one of the most controversial wins ever seen in local football.
Greenfuel coach Rodwell Dhlakama refused to comment about match officiating but squarely put the blame on himself.
“We have to blame ourselves really because we got chances which we could not put away,” said Dhlakama.
“The contest was hot because of the context of the game.
“We have 11 games to cushion ourselves from the drop. We need to improve in all aspects of our game.
“We were very good in transition but fell short in the final pass.
“The fight for survival is getting very awkward down there and we should carry ourselves to safety because it’s all up to us.
“If we improve, especially in our finishing, we can even fancy a top half finish because we are not too far off from that.”
Mathew Masinge