John Mokwetsi and Grace Chirumhanzu
20 December 2008
DYNAMOS Football Club yesterday surrendered their Premiership crown to city rivals Monomotapa United after going down 0-1 to Masvingo United in an ill-tempered match at Mucheke Stadium.
The Glamour Boys were pegged back by a Lloyd Hlahla-penalty in the 26th minute which changed the whole complexion of an otherwise entertaining match.
The DeMbare loss -- and Monomotapa's nil-all draw against Chapungu at Dzivaresekwa Stadium, saw Monos wrap up their maiden Premiership title with one match to go before the curtain comes down on the 2008 season.
But the controversy in Masvingo was to plunge Mucheke Stadium -- in particular the dressing rooms -- into a war zone as opposing players exchanged blows with Dynamos' Justice Majabvi, Reuben Mhlanga and Lazarus Muhoni in the thick of the free-for-all.
The DeMbare camp was up in arms over the officiating of referee Anthony Njaya and the players felt their patience had been stretched too far in the 77th minute when Muhoni's "goal" was disallowed for an offside decision.
Earlier on, defender Thomas Sweswe had confronted Masvingo defender Jaricha Takunda following a tackle on Mtshumayeli Moyo, which the referee had left unpunished.
But fans were later treated to a wrestling match off the pitch as Majabvi, Mhlanga and Muhoni led the attack on Masvingo players soon after the referee had blown to end the match.
Veteran midfielder Desmond Maringwa was caught up in the crossfire with a missile meant for Masvingo players, thrown by DeMbare fans.
Masvingo assistant coach Ferdinand Mwachindalo was manhandled by Dynamos players in the dressing room as two police officers looked on helplessly. It was a dreadful clash of interest, as the Glamour Boys badly needed three points to retain their title, while Masvingo were equally desperate for points in order to escape from the jaws of relegation.
Meanwhile, Monomotopa coach Norman Mapeza (pictured) had to wait for an agonising four minutes after his team held Chapungu to a goalless draw, to learn that his team were the new champions.
Always media-shy, Mapeza could only say: "I cannot believe it!"
It took wild celebrations from the Monomotapa's fans and the Caps United band of supporters at the stadium for reality to sink in for the former Zimbabwe captain.
Mapeza thanked the players, his technical support, the bosses and the fans: "It has been a hard year for us, having to work against all odds to keep our position at the top. I am happy and now I am preparing for the African safari. The African Champions league needs thorough preparations and that is what I am doing."
Elsewhere, Highlanders lost 0-3 at home against Lanchashire Steel, Caps United were beaten 1-0 by Eastern Lions at Sakubva, Kiglon beat Lengthens 2-0 at Chibuku while Gunners got three points after a no-show by relegated CAPS FC.
Results and league log
Highlanders 0, 3 Lancashire Steel - Barbourfields Stadium; Eastern Lions 1, 0 Caps United - Sakubva Stadium; Gunners 3, 0 Caps FC (walk-over) - Rimuka Stadium; Kiglon 2, 0 Lengthens - Chibuku Stadium; Masvingo 1, 0 Dynamos - Mucheke Stadium, Monomotapa 0, 0 Chapungu - Dzivaresekwa Stadium.
Team P W D L G/F G/A Pts
1 Monomotapa 29 18 5 6 41 28 59
2 Dynamos 29 15 10 4 37 22 55
3 Sundowns 29 14 3 12 39 35 45
4 Highlanders 29 9 15 5 33 21 42
5 Shooting Stars 29 11 8 10 34 27 41
6 Lengthens 29 11 7 11 37 42 40
7 Kiglon 29 9 12 8 30 29 39
8 Underhill 29 9 11 9 37 41 38
9 Gunners 29 9 10 10 40 39 37
10 Motor Action 29 11 4 14 34 39 37
11 L- Steel 29 10 6 13 37 45 36
12 Eastern Lions 28 8 11 10 23 27 35
13 Chapungu 28 9 7 12 31 30 34
14 Masvingo 29 8 9 12 32 45 33
15 CAPS Utd 29 7 12 10 31 31 33
16 R - CAPS FC 29 4 10 15 25 38 22
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