Heaps of praises for Bosso, DeMbare fans

Ndazi, unknown until after Sunday’s game, came out with flying colours. He was good with his interpretation and application of rules blowing with equal measure for either side for similar incidents.

Referees had of late been blamed for near ugly scenes at Barbourfields Stadium with some harsh decisions going against the home side.

Highlanders chairman Peter Dube praised both teams for the exemplary behaviour of their fans. He said the match officials had also lived up to the match’s billing by giving a good account of themselves to ensure a smooth sailing match.

At the end of the day, he said, they were happy that football had emerged the winner.

“It is well that ends well, both teams were fantastic, the fans exemplary. At the end football won big, a big thank you to everybody. It is back to the drawing board,” said the Bosso chairman.

Police acting spokesperson Bhekimpilo Ndlovu also gave the fans a thumbs up for their conduct on Sunday with just two fans in trouble for criminal nuisance.

“As the police we were impressed overall by both sets of fans, before, during and after the match. They exhibited maturity at its highest level. Even those who were at Barbourfields Stadium will testify to that,” said Ndlovu.

Dynamos’ vice-president of the national supporters association, Nicholas Mapanzure praised the referee and supporters for a good performance.

“That was a very big crowd. The referee held his nerve. On our side we would like to commend every supporter be it of Dynamos or Highlanders and the players for their role yesterday. That is how football should be, without any violence and throwing of missiles.

“I would like to say well done to Highlanders and of course supporters for preaching a message of self-restraint and peace all week. It’s just a game and it lived up to that. We encourage as Dynamos dialogue between club supporters ahead of such matches so that the environment is like what we saw at Barbourfields Stadium,” said Mapanzure.

Dynamos’ Bulawayo Chapter boss Dumisani Mutorera said the behaviour of the two teams’ supporters was something to commend.

Cecilia Malunga, the vice-president of the Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League praised Ndazi for ensuring a violence-free match. She said the atmosphere at the stadium was great and encouraged fans to continue that way as that created a family atmosphere where men could come with their wives and children without fear of violence.

“That young man had a good game, I was impressed with his officiating, he should keep it up and we encourage others to emulate him. With such displays the winner can only be football and on Sunday football won,” said Malunga.

Another female soccer fan Yvonne Maphosa said she was impressed with the conduct of the police and the fans.

Evans Ndlovu, who drove all the way from Victoria Falls with friends for the match, was full of praise for the referee and fans.

“That was a good performance. I did not know the referee until after the match. He gave a good account of himself and allowed the match to flow blowing with equal verve for fouls on either side without fear or favour.

“While I would have loved my team to win, I left the stadium content with the result and behaviour of fans and the referees’ display,” said Ndlovu, a brother to popular musician Jeys Marabini.

Former Highlanders player and coach Mkhuphali Masuku commended the fans too.

“The level of tolerance exercised by both sets of supporters was quite commendable. I like it when we all promote sport that way. Even before the match fans were seen in the townships and bottle stores socialising together, that was nice even at Barbourfields Stadium there were no problems,” said Masuku.

Masuku also commended the referee.

“He was very fair, he applied himself to the task and stood firm. I liked it when I saw goalkeepers’ trainer Tichaona Diya rushing to the pitch to tell the boys to take it easy when a penalty had been awarded to Highlanders. It happens in football… players will always protest such calls even when they all saw the foul being committed,” said the former Zimbabwe rightback .

Dynamos took the lead in the second minute through Takesure Chinyama after an exchange of passes between Rodreck Mutuma and Tichaona Mabvura.

Highlanders equalised in the 33rd minute through Milton Ncube who finished off a cross from outstanding Masimba Mambare.

Highlanders could have made it 2-1 in the 71st minute but Mthulisi Maphosa’s tame penalty effort was saved by George Chigova.

Highlanders appeared to be the better side of the day but lacked that killer instinct in the last quarter to punish Dynamos.

While the encounter was not as explosive as previous games, it still proved a good afternoon’s entertainment with some good build ups at both ends.