Masvingo lose points

Sport
Masvingo United’s aspirations of bouncing back into topflight football league suffered a double whammy.

Masvingo United’s aspirations of bouncing back into topflight football league suffered a double whammy last week after Eastern Region leadership which looked into their abandoned match against Buffaloes Juniors, ruled in favour of the hosts.

By Nyambira Chivasa

Buffaloes Juniors were awarded the three points, but both teams were slapped with fines which they have all paid and have since gone to play the reverse fixture which Masvingo United won resoundingly on Wednesday.

The match, which was played in Mutare three weeks ago, was abandoned in the 78th minute after Buffaloes had taken the lead, resulting in Masvingo United supporters invading the pitch.

Eastern Region Chairman Piraishe Mabhena, secretary Frai Rutsvara and board member Finance Davison Muchena deliberated on the matter. Masvingo United were found guilty of bringing the game of football into disrepute and were fined US$500 while Buffaloes were asked to pay US$200 for failure to bring adequate security to the match venue.

However, Zifa Eastern Region manager Tedious Machawire said both parties were free to challenge the outcome if they were not happy.

“But from the look of things, everyone was happy with the decision because both clubs have since paid their fines and went on to play their reverse fixture on Wednesday.”