REFS STEAL THE SHOW

Bulawayo Bureau

Sheasham……….…….. 0

Highlanders…………….0

REFEREES stole the limelight at the Bata Stadium where Castle Lager Premier Soccer League debutants Sheasham FC played out a goalless draw against giants Highlanders.

For Sheasham, it was a good start at home, picking up a point against a Bosso side that attacked and tried to pin their opponents on their back foot from the onset. Bosso went back to the top tied on 15 points with CAPS United.

With some bit of fair officiating, and as well as avoidance of time wasting by their opponents, Highlanders could have won the match.

Some questionable officiating by referee Patrick Kalota and first assistant referee Nkosana Zondiwa left spectators puzzled.

Twice in the second half, Kalota looked away as Highlanders had genuine penalty appeals falling on deaf ears.

First assistant referee Zondiwa was out of sort, coming up with questionable calls.

 Simbarashe Chimanikire first hacked down Highlanders striker Washington Navaya in the 74th minute before committing another foul on the same Bosso player in the 85th minute.

Highlanders coach, Baltemar Brito, was a disappointed man.

“I feel pity for all these people who came to watch this game. Again, we saw people wasting time but nothing was added on. 

“We take a point, but we wanted a win,” said Brito. For his counterpart John Nyikadzino, it was a point gained.

“We knew Highlanders would attack hence the strategy to hold them especially in the opening 15 minutes. 

“We did that and with some bit of luck, maybe, we could have gotten a win as we had two chances.”

Teams

Sheasham: Elton Sibanda, Thubelihle Jubane, Simbarashe Chaminuka, Physwell Madhazi, David Mangesi (Nigel Mpunduki, 55th min), Roy Useni, Prosper Andres (Tafadzwa Maria, 72nd min), Zivanai Chikwenhere, Polyester Shoko, McDonald Mavhuto (Liberty Musveure, 78th min), Munyaradzi Chirwa

Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda, Andrew Mbeba, Godfrey Makaruse, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Peter Muduhwa, Melikhaya Ncube (Brighton Manhire, 78th min), Darlington Mukuli (Washington Navaya, 64th min), Lynoth Chikuhwa (Calvin Chigonero, 64th min), Divine Mhindirira, Stanley Ngala (Elshamar Farasi, 78th minute), McKinnon Mushore (Marvelous Chigumira, 87th min)