ZPC Kariba…(1) 1 Chapungu… 0
By Michael Madyira
ZPC Kariba coach Saul Chaminuka wept following a horrendous lunge on his star forward Raphael Manuvire in yesterday’s 1-0 league win over 10-man Chapungu at Gwanzura.
Veteran striker Limited Chikafa’s first-half strike helped ZPC Kariba edge the visitors who played the last 15 minutes without defender Blessed Mbavaira whose nasty lunge on Manuvire’s left knee earned him a red card.
In a fit of rage, Chaminuka stormed the pitch lashing at referee Pedzisayi Chadya whom he accused of not protecting his players. He was restrained by Tawanda Munyanduri before breaking down as he returned to take his seat.
“If I was his [Mbavaira] coach, I would offload him forthwith,” said Chaminuka after the match.
“That was unsportsmanlike conduct. Football is played to entertain and not to harm others. These are our boys who come here to express their talents. Chapungu players are my boys as well and would not wish any of them to be injured.”
A heavily bandaged Manuvire appeared to be in severe pain after the match and will be assessed by team doctors to ascertain the degree of his injury.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Even Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino admitted that Chadya was correct to expel Mbavaira.
“He deserved the red card,” said Nyikadzino.
“The referee was spot on. I am sorry to ZPC Kariba and I wish their player a speedy recovery. We lost the plot in the first half where we were found wanting in the final third. The red card to Blessed also made it difficult for us to come back.”
While maintaining an unbeaten run in the season, ZPC Kariba also ended a four-match drawing streak with the win.
Three minutes after Chikafa’s 25th minute low drive, the hosts could have extended their lead but an unmarked Pride Tafirenyika shot over the bar while positioned less than a metre from the goal line facing an empty goal.
