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TIME OUT . . . Rodreck Mutuma (left) receives his marching orders from referee Ruzive Ruzive at Barbourfields on Sunday. — Picture by Paul Mundandi

Eddie Chikamhi and Paul Mundandi
TEMPERAMENTAL Dynamos forward Rodreck Mutuma could land himself in more trouble with his club with the DeMbare chiefs yesterday revealing that they were not amused by his wayward behaviour.

Mutuma saw red as Dynamos crashed out of the Easycall Cup after being handed a 2-1 defeat by bitter rivals Highlanders at Barbourfields.

The self-styled Prince was given his marching orders by Harare referee Ruzive Ruzive late in the game when he kicked out at an opponent — Ralph Matema — in retaliation to a bad challenge.

DeMbare’s loss also meant they completed a poor season for the first time in four years in which they don’t have any major silverware to show.

But it is Mutuma’s lack of discipline that the Dynamos leadership who fought hard to have him reinstated in the tournament, felt was unwarranted.

Dynamos secretary-general Webster Chikengezha hinted that punitive action could be taken on the striker whose disciplinary record keeps getting worse.

Only last week, the Harare giants had to make frantic efforts to have him and strike partner Takesure Chinyama’s bans lifted.

The pair had been slapped with four-match bans for charging towards referee Philani Ncube during their 2-1 Chibuku Super Cup final loss to Harare City nearly two months ago.

Chikengezha said they have tasked the technical team to investigate Sunday’s incident.

“Of course it’s a disciplinary case, but the procedure is that the technical team writes a report of exactly what transpired on that particular moment. In fact, we have tasked them to look into the matter and we are expecting them to report back,” said Chikengezha.

“There is no doubt Roddy deserved the red card for what he did. It was totally uncalled for. Why he decided to kick his opponent nobody knows, but as Dynamos we don’t condone such kind of behaviour. “

“Our policy as the biggest club in Zimbabwe is that we should be exemplary both on and off the field. We don’t condone any situation where anyone harasses anyone, be it other players, police or the referees.

“We speak about these things every time, before each and every game. I even emphasised yesterday (Sunday) in our pre-match meeting that we should strive to uphold high level discipline.

“I told them that let the referees do their job and if they feel that they had been treated unfairly, it’s not their duty to haggle with the referees.

“Theirs is to play football only and for any bad decisions against the team they should leave that to us to make a formal complaint with the PSL,” Chikengezha said.

Mutuma always courts controversy with his uncouth behaviour on the field of play.

Last year he was sent off after exchanging blows with a Black Rhinos player in the first round of the Chibuku Super Cup.

His actions on Sunday could also have incited violence if not handled well. As his club threatened severe sanctions against him, Mutuma yesterday issued a public apology for kicking Matema.

“I was coming from injury and when he tackled me and with the referee not blowing I felt so bad at the moment and I ended up kicking him.

“Matema (Ralph) is my big brother. I want to say sorry to him, the sponsors (NetOne), ZIFA, PSL, the fans, my teammates and my technical bench.

“It was a big game and it raises emotions and all I am saying is I’m sorry to the football fraternity,” said Mutuma.

But before he was sent off, Mutuma had given the Glamour Boys a glimmer of hope when he beat Ariel Sibanda in the 57th minute to reduce the arrears after Highlanders had gone two goals up in the second half.

Bosso scored through Obadiah Tarumbwa and Golden Boot award winner Knox Mutizwa either side of the break to set a good foundation for a memorable win at Barbourfields.

But it appeared Dynamos were not dead and buried after Mutuma had pulled one back for the Glamour Boys.

And when everyone was still expecting more magic from the lanky forward, Mutuma turned the villain in the 88th minute when he kicked Matema in a clear demonstration of his unsportmanship behaviour.

Harare referee Ruzive, who had a good afternoon, justifiably showed him the red card and booked Matema as well.

When Mutuma was heading out of the field to the tunnel the Bosso bench stood up as they wanted to vent their anger on the player, but experienced Bosso coach, Amin Soma Phiri reacted quickly and stopped them.

The action also earned Obadiah Tarumbwa who had already been substituted, a yellow card as he was charging towards Mutuma on his way to the dressing rooms.

“The game last Sunday was a big game and I was happy with officiating from Ruzive Ruzive and his team. The officiating was excellent and the fans were a marvellous lot.

“It was painful on our side to go out of the cup as I was hoping to get a medal. I wish the remaining teams all the best,” Mutuma said.