HARARE giants Caps United could face sanctions from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) after the 71st edition of the Harare derby against champions Dynamos at Rufaro on Sunday ended in ugly scenes of violence later on with the bay housing predominantly their supporters raining missiles on the pitch.
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
This was after Dynamos players, in particular goalkeeper George Chigova and striker Clive Kawinga, employed some time-wasting tactics towards the end of the match as they sought to protect their lead.
Oscar Machapa had marked his return to the Harare derby with a wonder goal in the first-half which decided the contest and in the process helping champions Dynamos open a two-point lead in the Premier League title race.
The big defender picked a ball on the right touchline on 37 minutes, cut inside, rounded off Ronald Pfumbidzai before unleashing a left-footed rasping shot which left United goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube clutching thin air.
It was the former Caps United midfielder’s first goal since returning home from a spell with Moroka Swallows in South Africa in July.
But after champions Dynamos took the lead, goalkeeper Chigova frequently went down as he employed time-wasting tactics.
Caps United also had penalty appeals waved away by Midlands referee Thomas Masaa and Kawinga, who had come in for the ineffective Washington Pakamisa, appeared to feign injury at the corner flag and it provoked Caps United fans to throw missiles onto the pitch ranging from cabbages, plastic bottles and empty beer bottles.
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Masaa had to add two more minutes as play was interrupted with the frustrated Caps United fans protesting by raining missiles on the pitch. And Machapa, who had scored the priceless goal, was also hit by a missile as he took a throw-in for Dynamos.
PSL chairman Kenny Ndebele said yesterday they were still to get a report from the referee before making a decision on the matter.
“We are still waiting for a report from the referee before we make any decision. The fact that I was at the stadium does not mean I know what happened. It’s the referee’s report which will guide us,” Ndebele said.
The PSL has made it clear they do not condone violence in football and anyone who conducts himself in a manner that brings the game of football into disrepute would attract the wrath of the top-flight league management.
