Zimpapers Logo

STOP THIS THUG . . . Mushowani coach Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni (left) and his captain, Zivanai Mhanda (centre), prevent Tellmore Sasa from attacking the referee after yesterday’s match at Rufaro

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
Seven Flames…(0)1
Mushowani…(1)1
THERE was drama yesterday at Rufaro when some Mushowani Stars’ players tried to attack the referee, Darlington Shoniwa, at the end of this World Navi Northern Region Division One league match.

The visitors were unhappy with the second half penalty given to Seven Flames.

Mushowani were the first to score in the 37th minute through Tendai Mutandi, but the hosts equalised when they were awarded a penalty in the 64th minute after the referee ruled that Melody Hungwe was fouled inside the box by Innocent Mavhirizhi.

The penalty was converted by substitute Kudakwashe Hamunakwadi.

However, the referee’s decision did not go down well with the visitors.

And just after Shonhiwa blew the final whistle, some of Mushowani’s players confronted the referee and coach, Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni, had to intervene and order his players off the pitch to avoid a possible attack.

Chimalizeni partly blamed the draw on their failure to convert the few chances they created before blasting the match officials.

“We played well unfortunately we drew, those were the results of the day that’s what I can say.

“We created some good chances in the first half we should have converted, but unfortunately we didn’t.

“We could have wrapped the game in the first 45 minutes, but anyway, tough luck to us. I think we need to take it from there and go back to the drawing board and correct our mistakes.

“They (players) felt the referee was biased but that’s the name of the game. Even the penalty was not a penalty because there was no contact, they went 50-50. I think that was a dubious penalty.

“These Premiership referees are doing nothing to be fair enough. There is no need for bringing Premiership referees, who are biased like this. It doesn’t augur well for the sport,” said Chimalizeni.

Chimalizeni also had a bad day as he almost attacked a fan who was mocking him.

Seven Flames coach, Kudakwashe Matuwi was pleased with the point picked by his side. “It was an exciting match because both teams wanted to score. Mushowani had the upper hand at the beginning but we were able to equalise. “We both played good football.

“I am happy, of course we were at home, we wanted a win but when we get a point I am happy. It contributes to us because we want to remain in the league.

“It’s bad to lose but if you get a point it’s good,” said Matuwi.

Meanwhile, log leaders, Gunners maintained their position after dismissing ZRP Morris 1-0 at Lafarge while Flame Lilly remained second as they beat Royal Classic 1-0 at Tsungubvi.

Troubled Chegutu Pirates fell again while Bindura United beat DStv Rangers 1-0.

Other Results: Royal Classic 0, Flame Lilly 1; Bindura United 1, DStv Rangers 0; Twalumba 0, Blue Swallows 0; Gunners 1, ZRP Morris 0; Black Mambas 3, Starbill 1; DC Academy 1, Lake Harvest 0; Karoi United 2, Chegutu Pirates 0; Ngezi Platinum 0, Commando 0.