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Tadious Manyepo in GWERU
Sheasham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Ngezi Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
ANOTHER piece of controversial officiating at Bata Stadium, for the second week running, and this time on the part of first assistant Tafadzwa Nkala who denied Ngezi Platinum what should have been a last-gasp win in this Castle Lager Premier Soccer League draw yesterday.
In a league in which referees are going unpunished despite incessant complaints from clubs week-in-and-week-out, the situation is increasingly getting out of hand with the match officials deciding games willy-nilly while reducing the general appeal of the league in the process.
It was also at Bata Stadium that referee Allen Bhasvi helped Dynamos beat Black Rhinos 2-1 after controversially awarding the Glamour Boys two contentious penalties.
And yesterday it was Nkala’s turn to take his part in this sad drama series by referees.
With the otherwise exciting match headed for a draw, Ngezi Platinum, who were the better side especially in the second half, won a freekick near the centre circle which Nigel Makumbe flighted into the crowded Sheasham box.
The ball hit Sheasham defender Collin Kwaramba’s back at the byline and it rolled back to Ngezi Platinum winger Tapiwa Mndinyenya who bundled it home.
As the Ngezi Platinum players wheeled in celebration, Nkala raised his flag for offside.
The Mhondoro team, who had been sitting at the top of the table for over a month dropped to second after Highlanders won their own match against Triangle at Barbourfields.
But for coach Takesure Chiragwi that doesn’t really matter after his team played positive football.
“This is a marathon like I have always said. The league is very competitive and this afternoon we faced a team that was very solid defensively,” said Chiragwi.
“We thought we had won it at the death but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. I don’t want to comment about match officiating. I am not a referee.
“But my boys really gave a very good shift. In the first half, they struggled a bit as they were still adjusting to the turf.
“I take a lot of positives from this game going forward”.
While Ngezi Platinum felt they dropped two big points, Sheasham picked a huge point in this draw.
With a bit of composure, they could have pocketed the maximum points as well.
The newcomers are still swimming in the red zone although they took their points tally to 12 in 14 matches.
With yesterday’s draw, it means Sheasham are yet to taste defeat in all the three matches that they have played at Bata.
They have played goalless draws against Highlanders and Herentals in their first two matches at the renovated facility.
Coach John Nyikadzino took the point as a positive step.
“I am happy with the way my boys played. Ngezi Platinum is a good team and they have a good coach. So picking a point against them is very positive,” said Nyikadzino.
The match started explosively with the home team threatening but Dinoleen Masukuta was hesitant when coming face to face with impressive Ngezi Platinum goalkeeper Nelson Chadya in the second minute.
At the opposite end MacDonald Makuwe and Valentine Kadonzvo came close but they couldn’t beat Elton Sibanda in goals for Sheasham.
It was Delic Murimba though who should have buried Sheasham after receiving a good pass from Kadonzvo but shot tamely at a diving Sibanda.
Teams
Sheasham
Elton Sibanda, Stanley Mhare (Leonard Jani 63min), Collin Kwaramba, Simbarashe Chimanikire, Physiwell Madhazi, Kudakwashe Musharu, Nigel Mupinduki (Tafadzwa Marira 75min), David Mangesi, Dinoleen Masukuta (Tinaye Tsimba 75min), Roy Useni, Thubelihle Jubane
Ngezi Platinum Stars
Nelson Chadya, Kudzai Chigwida, Polite Moyo, Delic Murimba (Takunda Benhura 70min), Tinotenda Murasiranwa, Marvellous Mukumba, Tapiwa Mandinyenya, Nigel Makumbe, Leslie Kashitigu, Mcdonald Makuwe (Malvin Gaki 70min), Valentine Kadonzvo (Bruno Mtigo 83min)
leeroy
Online Reporter