Highlanders Cry Foul Over Disallowed Goal Against Dynamos
Highlanders supporters, who were in the stadium, believe that the referee Norman Matemera robbed them of a share of the points.
WASHINGTON DC — Highlanders are crying foul after their 3-2 defeat by Dynamos in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played yesterday at Rufaro Stadium. The Bulawayo giants are not happy after referee, Norman Matemera, denied them what looked like a genuine 80 minute strike from Edmore Muzanenhamo, which could have seen the two teams share the points in an exciting game. Most of the Highlanders supporters, who were in the stadium, believe that was a clear goal. They claim that Matemera robbed them of a share of the points. Dynamos were leading 3-2 when Matemera ruled off the goal claiming Muzanenhamo was offside when his effort eluded Tatenda Mukuruva in goals for Dynamos. Even Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu is not happy with what happened yesterday saying there is need for better officiating if Zimbabwean football has to be taken seriously. On the other hand, Dynamos coach David Mandigora refused to be drawn into the debate over the disallowed Highlanders goal saying his hands are tied. After a disappointing three draws in their last three games, Mandigora is happy with the three points and is focused on their next game away to Hwange. The win has seen Dynamos close the gap on leaders Chicken Inn to three points after the Game Cocks’ game against bottom-placed Dongo Sawmills was abandoned. This was after Chicken Inn goalkeeper’s coach, Julius Ndlovu, assaulted Dongo Sawmills medic, Urayayi Chiparange. The PSL will decide on the fate of the game which was abandoned with 30 minutes remaining with Chicken Inn leading 1-0. Chicken Inn currently have 29 points, followed by Triangle on 27 points, Dynamos 26 points and How Mine 25 points. The other Premiership results were as follows: Hwahwa 0, Chappungu 0; FC Platinum 4,Buffaloes 1; Triangle 1, ZPC Kariba 0; How Mine 2, Hwange 1;Tsholotsho 1, Flame Lilly 1 and Harare City 0, Caps United 0. This was Mark Mathe’s first game in charge of the Green Machine following the departure of Mark Harrison to Botswana. Mathe is a happy man after picking up a point away from home. In athletics: Blanket Mine runner Nkosiyazi Ncube yesterday continued his dominance of the Econet Victoria Falls marathon after winning his fourth consecutive title with a time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 12 seconds. Sibanda, who won the competition since 2012, took home $900 for his effort after finishing ahead of Millen Matende and Portifer Dombojena. Forty-two year-old Thabitha Tsatsa won the women’s competition with a time of 2 hours, 50 minutes. Veteran long distance runner Samukeliso Moyo finished in seventh place.