THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League game of the week between pacesetters FC Platinum and CAPS United was abandoned after 86 minutes following crowd trouble at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
Match officials felt it was not safe to continue with the match after angry CAPS United fans stormed the field of play, protesting against a decision to rule out what they thought was a legitimate equaliser.
FC Platinum were leading 1-0 at the time, courtesy of a Juan Mutudza goal after nine minutes.
CAPS United appeared to have found an equaliser through Ralph Kawondera, but assistant referee Mncedisi Maposa raised his flag to cut short the celebrations.
As Gweru-based referee Lloyd Mapanje went over to his assistant to consult, CAPS United fans invaded the pitch, resulting in a 20-minute stoppage.
Match commissioner Brighton Nyika said the match was abandoned as a result of security concerns by the referees.
“At the moment, I can’t comment on what happened during the match, but the match was not completed because the referees felt they were no longer safe,” he said.
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe was livid over the match officiating.
“The problem in our football has been such that the wrong man takes the centre,” he said. “It is unfortunate it has reduced this league to a comic show.
“It’s something that needs to be eradicated from our football if we are to be a serious football nation. This is disheartening that a referee takes centre stage and it has been happening week in, week out
“This has taken away from the boy what could have been a goal of the season contender.”
The outcome will now be decided by the PSL disciplinary committee.
Meanwhile, all the four completed PSL matches ended with an identical score of 2-1 yesterday, with home victories for Arenel Movers and Green Fuel, while Simba Bhora and Herentals were away winners.
At the Green Fuel Arena, champions Ngezi Platinum suffered their second defeat of the season as their former coach Rodwell Dhlakama’s Green Fuel clinched a 2-1 win.
The result moved Green Fuel up to fourth position with eight points from five matches, while Ngezi Platinum are 12th with five points from as many matches, and with the champions having dropped 10 points from the opening five games of their title defence.
Donald Ngoma gave Green Fuel the lead after three minutes, while Polite Moyo equalised six minutes later and former Ngezi Platinum star James Nguluve secured all points for the hosts after 32 minutes.
Dhlakama paid tribute to his team for sticking to their game plan.
His instruction to the team was for them to score early, sit back and play a defensive game while aiming to hit the visitors on the break.
“The boys did exactly as we had agreed. The idea was to score early, disorient them and then defend till the end and I am happy it worked out.
“We also made use of their former players Bruno Mtigo, James Nguluve and Anelka Chiwandire, who understand Ngezi in almost all aspects, and the boys did justice to instruction.
“Coming from a defeat, this was a must-win game, so even in our preparations, we emphasised on collecting maximum points at all costs,” said Dhlakama.
Ngezi Platinum coach Takesure Chiragwi bemoaned their failure to convert chances.
“I have nothing to take away from the game that the boys are playing; they gave a good fight, but if they had converted all the chances they created, then it would have been a different story for us,” he said.
“The opponents made use of the chances they created. Also, coach Dhlakama is my former head coach. He understands how we play and he made use of that, but that is not an excuse for us.”
At Heart Stadium, Yadah’s homecoming ended in defeat as Simba Bhora moved into third place through goals by Tymon Machope in the first half and captain Walter Musona in the second half, while Blessed Ndereki pulled one back for the hosts.
Star attraction Khama Billiat was pulled out in the 40th minute due to a dead leg following numerous tackles by Simba Bhora players.
The defeat leaves Yadah still searching for a win.
At Luveve Stadium, Arenel finally registered a win as they overcame fellow newcomers Bikita Minerals, courtesy of goals from Brian Ngwenya (12th minute) and Johane Sibanda (67th minute); while Dennis Nhongo had equalised in the 19th minute.
At Nyamhunga Stadium, Herentals registered their first goal and first win of the season against their 10-man hosts, courtesy of goals from Godfrey Mukambi in the first half and Dreamer Liyeto in the second, while ZPC Kariba got a consolation through Nyasha Gurende.
ZPC Kariba defender Kuzivakwashe Madima was red-carded.
