Is Dynamos on auto-pilot?

Zimpapers Sports Hub

 

THERE has been deafening silence from Dynamos management following their abandoned match against FC Platinum at Mandava on Sunday.

 

The PSL giants walked off the pitch in protest after FC Platinum were awarded a second half penalty with the scores tied at 1-1.

The match could not continue, and referee Quedsani Dirwai was forced to end the game prematurely.

 

After that incident, Dynamos appear set to forfeit the three points and are likely to be slapped with a fine of around US$3,000.

 

This development only adds to the Harare giants’ mounting challenges.

 

Aside from a battered image, this is a club that recently admitted to financial difficulties, is at loggerheads with sections of its supporters who are boycotting home matches, and is also flirting with relegation.

 

For many, the Dynamos executive or board, led by Bernard Marriot, should have released a press statement outlining the club’s official position following Sunday’s incident, which has both short- and long-term implications.

 

But nothing has come. Just silence, as the debate rages on.

 

Only head coach Saul Chaminuka’s post match remarks justifying their actions remain the club’s official position.

 

While several critics have argued that the penalty awarded to FC Platinum may not have been the best decision by the referee, they also agree that walking off the pitch was a distasteful and damaging reaction.

 

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza distanced himself from his counterparts’ response.

 

“We cannot solve the problem if you are going to walk out of the pitch. We cannot solve anything. It has happened to us, and I’m not saying it has happened to Dynamos, so it’s okay.

 

“We’ve had goals scored from offside positions… We’ve been denied penalties. But you can’t walk off the pitch. You just can’t,” said Mapeza.

 

“Let’s just continue playing, you never know what might happen. I don’t think this is good for our football at the moment.”

 

Responding during a post-match interview, Chaminuka countered Mapeza’s remarks by referencing another incident in the same game, suggesting FC Platinum should have been reduced to 10 men.

 

“What is he (Mapeza) saying about that? I’m looking at him as a father, just like me. Was that a yellow card, when you deliberately attack someone after the whistle has gone? That was a red card offence… The game continued until we then said, ‘I think this is enough,’” said Chaminuka.