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Hwange coaches Nation Dube and Mebelo Njekwa had to be taken to hospital following the assault in the process leaving the team under kit master Andrew Zulu and fitness trainer, Kenny Nyape. The two rarely gave any tactical instructions to the team. Hwange lost the match 4-2.
The two were assaulted at Rufaro Stadium on 6 May just before kick-off.
The case, whose verdict is yet to be released, was heard before the Don Moyo-chaired Premier Soccer League disciplinary committee.
“We have not yet received the verdict as yet after the committee said they will have to sit down and deliberate on the presentations but as a club we made it clear that we wanted a replay. A neutral or empty stadium will be at the discretion of the disciplinary committee,” said Hwange secretary and spokesman Burzil Dube.
There has been a precedent in world football where a replay was ordered and ironically it involved the Zimbabwe Warriors who had their coach, the late Reinhard Fabisch hit with a stone, during the 1994 World Cup qualifier against Egypt. It ended 2-1 in favour of the Pharaohs but following a complaint by Zifa a replay at a neutral venue was ordered by the world soccer governing body. The two teams ended up playing in Lyon in France.
In their letter of summons the PSL said DeMbare violated Order 31 of the Rules and Regulations.
“It is an act of misconduct on the part of the club where;
31.1.23 its officials, players, servants or duly authorised (express or implied) representatives assault, threaten, intimidate, coerce, interfere, mislead or insult a match official, player, official of the league, public, press or media or any other person, before, during or after any match.
31.2 on the part of a player, official, servant or duly authorised (express of implied) representatives of a club, official of the league, member of the executive committee or member of any sub-committee as the case maybe, who,
31.2.1 directly or indirectly interrupts, obstructs or disturbs the normal proceedings of a game, before, during or after a match.”
Hwange gave a good account of themselves despite the absence of their coaches. Technical manager Tennant Chilumba was away in Zambia.
Online Reporter