‘THERE’S NO FAIR PLAY’

Bruce Chikuni

HERENTALS Under-20 coach, Paul Benza, says biased match officiating spoiled the exciting ZIFA Northern Region Division One League this season.

His team squandered an opportunity to close the gap on log leaders, Simba Bhora, when they settled for a goalless draw against Chegutu Pirates at Motor Action Sports Club on Saturday.

Before Saturday’s encounter, the Young Students were five points off the pace, and would have kept themselves in the championship matrix, had they secured maximum points.

Simba Bhora were not in action over the weekend.

With just four games remaining, before the season ends, Simba Bhora can even afford to lose a game and remain in pole position.

Benza said he was convinced the league’s leadership have been reluctant to tackle the contentious issue of bad officiating.

“First and foremost, we made it very clear that it’s not our primary concern to get promoted, since we already have a Premiership team.

“However, if it means that I’m going to be fined for saying this, I don’t mind.

“It seems everything was staged for a certain team to win the championship.

“I’m not happy at all with how match officials have been operating and I’ve raised my concerns with the league’s leadership, but nothing was done.

“This is probably the worst season I have seen in the Northern Region.

“For the first time, we are seeing teams being beaten by huge margins, it’s not normal.

“There’s foul play somewhere, somehow.”

Golden Eagles are now out of the picture in the title race after suffering a shock 2-3 loss at the hands of CUMA.

They are now nine points off the mark.