Uhuru final: DeMbare stick to their guns

PREMIERSHIP giants Dynamos are sticking to their guns and insist they will not play in the Independence Trophy final replay against FC Platinum set for Rufaro tomorrow.

Dynamos chairman Kenny Mubaiwa said they have already advised ZIFA that they will not fulfil the tie and were prepared to be walked over.

Mubaiwa said they will be content with FC Platinum, who won last year’s Uhuru Cup, keeping the trophy while DeMbare take the silver medal and the runners-up cheque.

The Independence Trophy final was called off after 65 minutes at the National Sports Stadium on April 18 with Dynamos leading 1-0, courtesy of a Ronald Chitiyo goal.

A power blackout, 25 minutes before the end of the game, forced referee Pedzisayi Chadya to call off the game.

ZIFA, who are the custodians of the competition, later scheduled a replay set for tomorrow at Rufaro but Dynamos, who had the advantage before the game was called off, set conditions for the replay.

While ZIFA pointed out that the match would be a completely new game, Dynamos, in the letter to ZIFA dated April 22, felt that “having the game played on another day has no value to the celebrations of independence.

“ZIFA want to get the winner for the Independence Trophy and we have said we have no problems if they give the gold medals and the first prize to FC Platinum while we get the silver.

“We have not been paid the $3 000 we used to camp for the semi-finals and it means we have to fork out almost the same amount again for this replay.

“So it does not make much sense and we have written to ZIFA pointing out that we are not playing and they are aware of our position,” said Mubaiwa.

ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela was convinced the match would still go on.

Gwesela even appealed for fans to come in their numbers.

“There is no way we are going to call the players for camp at our expense and we have to focus on the league match on Sunday (against How Mine).

“It’s better if they can invite any other team which is willing to play against FC Platinum.

“As a club, we cannot get into more expenses yet the actual Independence Day celebrations have been held,” said Mubaiwa. — Sportszone.