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The match, which was scheduled for Luveve Stadium, had to be called off and Zimbabwe Saints are likely to pay dearly for failing to hire the Zimbabwe Republic Police to provide security.
Sources at Zifa said Chikwata stand to lose three points.
“Technically they were walked over as they failed to seek police services. They know very well that as a home team it is their duty to provide security and without a police detail the match cannot go ahead,” said a source.
Zimbabwe Saints are on position 10 with six points from three matches and had they played and won Sunday’s encounter they would have gone up the ladder to keep up with the title chasing pack, which has New West City, Tsholotsho Pirates, Mpumalanga United, Bantu Rovers, Railstars and How Mine.
If ZPC Hwange get the three points, they will shoot to the top of the log from eighth position with a tally of 10 points.
Zifa Southern Region secretary Brian Moyo said they would act after getting the referee’s report.
He took a swipe at Zimbabwe Saints for failing to arrange security for the game.
“At the moment we haven’t received a report on what transpired at Luveve Stadium but from what we hear there were no police. Zimbabwe Saints is a big club, established before Independence and we believe they know the rules and regulations since they have been playing for a long time.
“As a home team they (Zimbabwe Saints) know and are aware that the onus is on them to hire the stadium and organise security because there is no way a match can be played without police.
“Action will be taken after having a look at the referee’s report,” Moyo said.
Jabulani Chinyangarara, a Zimbabwe Saints official, put the blame on Zifa whom he accused of failing to arrange police on their behalf.
“ZPC Hwange refused to play saying there were no police. We failed to convince them even after going to the police. When we got to Luveve the police said Zifa did not notify them about the game and could not take our word.
“Actually what happens is that Zifa notifies the police and as a club we assist in terms of transport if they are late. Yes, the rules and regulations say the home team must ensure there is security but it does not say who should facilitate for those police,” said Chinyangarara.
Moyo defended his organisation and was adamant that Zimbabwe Saints were responsible for their home security.
He maintained his position that Chikwata who were in their league in 2010 were conversant with the rules and regulations.
“They are not new in the league and this is not their first home game of the season. They were with us in 2010 and they know the rules and regulations. Such behaviour could be understood from small clubs like Bulawayo Chiefs, Emakhandeni Pirates and Projects among others,” said Moyo.
In other matches, New West City dislodged Mpumalanga United at the top after the former won 2-0 against Power Cosmos.
New West City is tied on 10 points with second placed Tsholotsho Pirates and Mpumalanga United but
lead because of a superior goal difference.
Tsholotsho Pirates clobbered fellow new boys Bulawayo Chiefs 5-0 while Mpumalanga United held Projects to a one-all draw in a Hwange derby.
Emakhandeni Pirates registered their first victory of the season with a 2-1 win over former Premiership club Railstars on Saturday.
Results
Saturday: Power Cosmos 0, New West City 2; Projects 1, Mpumalanga United 1; Black Boots 1, Bantu Rovers 2; Tsholotsho Pirates 5, Bulawayo Chiefs 0; How Mine 1, Sizani Fruits and Veg 0; Emakhandeni Pirates 2, Railstars 1
Online Reporter