Paul Mundandi and Munyaradzi Musiiwa
FC PLATINUM have sharply criticised ZIFA vice-president Omega Sibanda over his remarks following their disputed match against Chicken Inn in Bulawayo.

In a letter to Premier Soccer League chief executive Kenny Ndebele, FC Platinum said they were dismayed by the utterances by the ZIFA vice-president.

Chicken Inn claim they were denied two penalties by the referee during that contest.

“We note with dismay the negative utterances in various print and social media platforms. The utterances were allegedly said by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) vice-president Mr Omega Sibanda regarding the match we played against Chicken Inn Football club at White City Stadium in Bulawayo,” reads the letter.

“Mr Omega Sibanda is a public figure who holds the second highest office in football governance in the country.

“As such we expect him to comment responsibly and issue out official and factual statements to relevant media platforms. Football statues are very clear on issues relating to match officiating worldwide.

“If it is indeed true, we find it absurd that Mr Omega Sibanda chose to utter biased comments on the performance of the match officials who handled this match

“Our view is that the utterances were not factually balanced and were made with malice given that Mr Omega Sibanda has a pending case at the High Court against FC Platinum (Case Number HC3212 /11) where he took football matters outside football jurisdiction to the courts of law.

“We do not believe that Mr Omega Sibanda is in good standing to comment on FC Platinum matches because of the pending case at the High Court as such comments may disadvantage FC Platinum in future.

“We are left with no choice, but to think otherwise because if he was commenting on the match in its totality he should have mentioned the following disturbing incidents:

1. Chicken Inn should have had a second player sent off for a booking, but the referee erroneously cautioned the wrong player.

2. Chicken Inn head coach, Mr Allen Rahman Gumbo had a scuffle with match officials.

He also left his technical area and walked past the away team technical area to harass the assistant referee.

3. Chicken Inn officials namely Tavengwa Hara and Mlungisi Moyo invaded the playing field to remonstrate against the match officials when in fact it is the same officials who should have been controlling the situation so that it does not get out of hand.

“Mr Omega Sibanda’s alleged utterances also insinuate that FC Platinum bribed the match officials. An allegation that is very, malicious.

“The allegations also seek to portray that FC Platinum were not worthy winners of the match.”

A Winston Mhango first half strike saw FC Platinum win the match to top the log standings, but Chicken Inn felt aggrieved over the officiating alleging they were denied a clear penalty by referee Thomas Masaa.

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