adminA tag of war has emerged between Tripple B and the Premier Soccer League over the venue of this weekend’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Dynamos.
The league has delayed issuing a confirmed fixture because of the dispute as the Beitbridge newcomers want the match at their home ground while the league bosses maintain the venue is too small to host big games for security reasons.
PSL chief executive, Kenny Ndebele, yesterday said they were still trying to resolve the impasse although indications pointed to the fact that the game could be moved to Zvishavane.
Mandava will also host the match between FC Platinum and Triangle at the weekend.
“We are still trying to make the arrangements because the last time the inspection team visited the venue there was an agreement that all big games will not be played there,” said Ndebele.
Dalibadzimu, which has hosted two games against Black Mambas and Shabanie Mine, has been upgraded and now has an estimated sitting capacity of 2 000.
The stadium was also used by Underhill four years back and there were similar concerns about the venue playing host to big games.
But Tripple B have committed huge financial resources to refurbish the ground to meet the required standards during the off-season with most of the financial assistance from the Beitbridge Town Council.
However, it appears the league management is not comfortable having big teams like Dynamos, CAPS United and Highlanders playing at Dalibadzimu based on the report from the grounds inspection committee.
In 2008 and 2009 seasons, the now defunct Underhill was forced to play their Premiership games at Mucheke while Dulibadzimu was under renovation.
Last year Motor Action were ordered to move their match against CAPS United from their Sports Club to Gwanzura because of security fears but the Mighty Bulls refused and lost the three points.
A Tripple B club official yesterday said they were still hoping to get the green light to have the match in the border town.
“We have written to PSL and we are still to get the response. As Tripple B we are content to host this match in this stadium because we want our supporters to enjoy such big games.
“Right now this game is the talk of the town and it’s only unfair to deprive the community such an opportunity. If this game is moved to Mandava it means one would need about US$20 to go and watch this game yet we are the home team.
“Besides, we are a small club and we face huge financial challenges. It’s difficult to imagine that this will be our fourth game on the road out of six,” said an official from the club.
Tripple B, who started the PSL season on a low note with back to back defeats at the hands of How Mine, Black Mambas and Chicken Inn, appear to have now discovered their winning formula and have promised to upset DeMbare.
Friday Phiri’s men are coming from wins against Shabanie Mine and Triangle.
The Tshintsha Magiya public relations officer, Foster Abheki, said yesterday the team was in good shape and they were looking forward to continue with their winning streak.
“When the season started we had challenges in the strike force and midfield but now we have addressed the teething problems.
“Actually we will maintain the winning team which collected points against Shabanie Mine FC and Triangle.
“The spirit is very high in our camp, there will be no Zora Butter on that day. Instead we will be changing the gears,” said Abheki.
He said they will be playing attacking football so that they get the goals and collect maximum points.
Tripple B are currently 10th on the log standings with two wins and three losses, while their opponents are on number 13 with five draws from as many games.
DeMbare will be looking for their first victory of the season against the newcomers to relieve pressure on coach Callisto Pasuwa who has been under the spotlight following a poor start in defence of their title.
The Harare giants have been impotent in front of goal and they needed a last minute equaliser from defender Partson Jaure in their highly-charged game against Highlanders at Rufaro last Sunday.
Team manager, Richard Chihoro, yesterday said they remain positive despite the huge setbacks they have faced.
Chihoro said they were praying that striker Clive Kawinga and roving leftback Ocean Mushure regain full fitness to widen the options.
Mushure has been given the green light by the club’s medical personnel to start light training.
Army said Black Rhinos are scheduled to travel to Bulawayo for a date against giants Highlanders at Barbourfields.
Bosso left Rufaro with broken hearts last Sunday following the draw against Dynamos after as they conceded a morale-squashing stoppage time goal and should be looking to vent their fury on the next opponents.
However, Rhinos coach, Nesbert Saruchera, yesterday said he was prepared to face Highlanders in their most menacing mood.
“Highlanders are a big team and they are playing good football. As you know they are coming from a disappointing result but we are not intimidated at all,” said Saruchera.
“I don’t know about the mood in their camp but what is certain is that we are ready for them because we are also playing good football.
“It’s only that we have been away for some time but I believe the soldiers are back in the league for good. Although we have not reached the levels that we are aiming, I am happy with the progress so far. The team is playing good football and we are more than prepared for our next game.”
With six points in the bag, Rhinos are ninth on the log table. They have won one game and drawn three while losing once to CAPS United.
In contrast Highlanders have enjoyed a far much better start by amassing 10 points from three victories and one draw.
Bosso have also lost one match, to Motor Action.
Weekend Fixtures
Monomotapa v Shabanie Mine, Hwange v Chicken Inn, CAPS United v Black Mambas, Harare City v How Mine, Motor Action v Buffaloes, Highlanders v Black Rhinos, FC Platinum v Triangle, Tripple B v Dynamos
Online Reporter