Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga at Chahwanda Stadium
Hardrock FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Bulawayo Chiefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
REFEREE Lawrence Zimondi yesterday showed Bulawayo Chiefs’ Melikhaya Ncube red for allegedly slapping him soon after Hardrock’s 1-0 Chibuku Super Cup win at Chahwanda.
There were chaotic scenes soon after the final whistle, with Zimondi and his assistants Luckson Mhara and Victor Kambazo surrounded by Chiefs players.
Apart from the red card, Zimondi also reported the alleged assault to the Zimbabwe Republic Police and match commissioner Norman Matemere.
It was not immediately clear what sparked the confrontation. Ncube’s response to the allegation could also not be obtained.
Asked about the situation, Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino, who went onto the field to calm his players, said his focus was on coaching.
“That’s not my area. The officials have the final say. My area is to coach football. I don’t coach referees,” he said.
“Emotions ran high after the game. That’s why I was there to try to cool the tempers. We support referees. We need them, and they need us.” The confrontation overshadowed Hardrock’s passage into the quarter-finals, secured by captain Tinotenda Muringai’s 36th-minute penalty.
Chiefs were not overawed by Hardrock’s more experienced side and matched the hosts for long periods.
With Prince Dube out injured, Hardrock turned to Washington Navaya and Sambulo Simelane in attack, with Yeki Khumalo and Thubelihle Mavuso providing support from midfield.
Hardrock broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when Navaya was brought down inside the penalty area.
Muringai stepped forward and sent Wallace Magalane the wrong way from the spot.
Chiefs responded with one of their best moves of the match, but Mapisa turned Brian Muza’s effort behind for a corner.
Hardrock saw more of the ball after the break, with Khumalo and Mavuso attacking the wide areas, but Chiefs remained compact and threatened on the counter-attack.
Simelane struck the upright before making way for Samuel Makawa in the 66th minute.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted his side had struggled to produce its usual football but was satisfied with the result.
“What is important is that we progressed to the next round. We knew our opponents would come and play a defensive game. They used a low block, and it was difficult for us,” said Kaindu.
“We didn’t play our usual game. We created a few chances and lacked a bit of flair and the ability to go forward, but we managed to win.”
Nyikadzino believed Chiefs had been the better side.
“It’s a painful defeat after playing so well. We conceded from the penalty spot. I thought we would come back, but we failed,” he said.
“We created more chances than them, apart from the penalty. We were the better side as far as the match was concerned, but at the end of the day, goals are what count.”
Meanwhile, in another Chibuku Super Cup match played yesterday, Hunters knocked out Herentals after winning 1-0.
