admin
Lawrence Moyo
Head Zimpapers Sports Hub
AMBITIOUS Mabvuku side, Scottland now just need to beat in-form Black Mambas on the final round of Northern Region Soccer League on Friday to secure a Premier Soccer League ticket.
Scottland shot to the top of the NRSL standings yesterday when the league finally released the eagerly awaited decision on their abandoned match against Karoi United.
The match in Karoi was called off due to crowd trouble with the scoreline 1-1 at Chikangwe on September 15.
Official reports implicated hosts Karoi United, who pleaded Not Guilty, for the missile that hit referee, Matthew Dingo towards the end of the match .
The NRSL disciplinary committee awarded the abandoned match to Scottland on a 3-0 scoreline.
Scottland now have 84 points from 37 games, two points ahead of former leaders, MWOS who have 82 points from 37 matches.
There is one round of matches remaining and both title rivals are at home with Scottland hosting Black Mambas at Rufaro while MWOS entertain Agama at Ngoni Stadium on Friday.
With MWOS enjoying a better goal difference, Scottland cannot afford to drop points if they are to clinch the ticket to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
MWOS will clinch the title if they win and Scottland fail to beat Black Mambas, who narrowly missed out on the NRSL title last season.
According to the verdict issued yesterday, the NRSL disciplinary committee was not impressed by Karoi United’s lack of remorse.
The long-serving Division One side is accused of causing the delay in the finalisation of the matter.
“Having rendered a ruling on the charges faced by KAROI United FC on the 28th October 2024 we asked the parties to aggravate and mitigate simultaneously before rendering of the penalty.
“1.2. The league’s aggravation in material terms was to the following extent:
That Karoi FC is one of the oldest clubs in the league.
That it had the responsibility to ensure adequate security.
That accused had an obligation to manage its fans but failed.
That since the accused caused the abandonment of the match, the match must be given to the visiting team at a 3-0 scoreline.
That Karoi did not show any remorse resulting in delays of conclusion of the matter. This has brought unwarranted criticism to the league and brought the league into disrepute.
That the accused’s conduct of causing abandonment of matches was not the first time.
That to act as a reminder the match must be given to Scottland FC as provided by the regulations and a fine be imposed.”
NRSL TOP 4
P W D L F A Pts
Scottland 37 26 6 5 63 20 84
MWOS 37 24 10 3 67 21 82
Black Rhinos 37 19 11 7 42 28 68
Harare City 37 17 11 9 43 26 62
Online Reporter