Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
REFEREE Lawrence Zimondi alleged that Bulawayo Chiefs captain Melikhaya Ncube slapped him during chaotic scenes following the 1-0 Chibuku Super Cup defeat by Hardrock at Chahwanda Stadium yesterday.
Zimondi and assistants Luckson Mhara and Victor Kambazo were surrounded by Chiefs players and officials after the final whistle.
Ncube was shown a red card before Zimondi reported the alleged assault to the Zimbabwe Republic Police and match commissioner Norman Matemere.
The visitors accused the match officials of bias.
Bulawayo 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 run 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.”
Nyikadzino believes 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.”
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.
“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,” said Kaindu.
At Barbourfields, Arron Ngwenya saved two penalties to carry strike-hit Highlanders into the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals yesterday after a turbulent week at the Bulawayo giants.
A goalless 90 minutes sent the tie to penalties at Barbourfields Stadium, where Ngwenya denied Tulani Joseph and Michael Charamba, while Donovan Bernard struck the crossbar.
Brendon Rendo was Chicken Inn’s only successful taker.
Highlanders converted all three of their kicks through Rainsome Pavari, Brighton Makopa and Mongameli Tshuma to complete a 3-1 shootout victory.
In the day’s other match, substitute Michael Tapera scored the match winner as FC Hunters beat Herentals 1-0 at Ngoni Stadium in Norton.
Chibuku Cup quarter-finalists
Caps United, Dynamos, FC Hunters, Hardrock, Highlanders, MWOS, Scottland, ZPC Kariba
Mathew Masinge