Zimpapers Logo

Augustine Hwata and Ray Bande Sports Reporters
BUFFALOES  are still seeking redress over their ill-treatment by CAPS United during a Castle Lager Premiership  match at Gwanzura and have officially lodged a complaint with the league’s chiefs against the conduct of Makepekepe’s Warriors international Hardlife Zvirekwi.
The army side’s technical team and substitute players were forced to sit on the ground after CAPS United players, in a move driven by superstitious beliefs poured urine on their dugout seats.

Yesterday, buffaloes lodged a protest against CAPS United and Zvirekwi in particular, following Sundays’ incident.

In their letter, Buffaloes singled out Warriors right back Zvirekwi for playing a leading role in his teammate’s deplorable behaviour.

“We pray that necessary disciplinary action be taken against CAPS United as a club for the scoundrel conduct of its players and supporters and also against the players individually, particularly Hardlife Zvirekwi, for his deplorable leading role in pouring and sprinkling urine on the bucket seats in the Buffaloes reserved dugout,” reads part of the letter of complaint from Buffaloes.

CAPS United’s superstitious beliefs seems to have taken another level amid indications that they have dumped the National Sports Stadium as their home ground this season to avoid sharing the venue with bitter rivals Dynamos.

Dynamos, in a move designed to cut costs from the 20 percent of gross gate takings levied by the Harare City Council, switched to the giant stadium where the levies are much lower.

With just three Premiership teams in Harare this season, it meant that DeMbare and CAPS United could use the same venue as one of the two sides would be away each respective weekend. Despite their departure from the National Stadium being linked to superstitious beliefs, CAPS yesterday refuted that assertion.

Over the past two seasons, CAPS United had been using the National Sports Stadium as their first choice home ground while champions Dynamos have been using the artificial turf at Rufaro.

But after Dynamos shifted to the National Stadium this year, CAPS United then indicated to Premier Soccer League that they would be returning to Gwanzura as their first choice home.

CAPS United told the PSL that they would only use the National Sports Stadium as an alternative venue.

During the pre-season, CAPS United had considered using Circle Stadium in Manresa as their home ground.

CAPS United communications executive Joyce Kapota, yesterday shot down at word doing the rounds that they had dumped the National Sports in fear of sharing it with rivals DeMbare.

“There is no peculiar reason why we left the National Sports Stadium other than the fact that we want to be close to our fans.

“We realised that most of our fans come from areas like Glen Norah, Mbare, Chitungwiza, Mufakose and Highfield. So last year, these fans had to use two commuter omnibuses to come and watch our home matches at the National Sports Stadium.

“But Gwanzura is easily accessible and most fans do not need to get two kombis to the venue. So we have been getting a larger turnout this year at Gwanzura,” said Kapota.

PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele said CAPS United have indicated that Gwanzura will be their preferred home venue.

“They have said Gwanzura will be their home venue and they have also given an alternative home venue, just like any other club,” said Ndebele.

On Monday, CAPS United players Hardlife Zvirekwi and Blessing Zabula were accused of sprinkling urine on the Buffaloes technical area in a firm belief that the excretory liquid would “weaken their rivals”.