The Munyamela Soccer Tournament match between Tshiombo XI Securitas and Matangari United Brothers at the Muhuyu ground on Sunday ended in a unique manner.
It was evident from the onset that something unusual would happen as the game was characterized by stoppages. The stoppages were the result of decisions by the referee, Avhurengwi Mathivha, who was blamed for making controversial decisions.
Vhutshilo Pandelani of United Brothers was reprimanded with a card, following a late tackle on Meshack Ramafamba. At that stage, the game was 14 minutes old. The keeper of United Brothers, Fhatuwani Mudimeli, denied Securitas a number of goals during the first half. In the first instance, the Securitas left flank, Meshack Ramafamba, went loose and unleashed from close range. Mudimeli braved the hot volley and palmed the ball away for a corner kick. Mudimeli was a marvel to watch as he once again stretched to the limit to make a brilliant save. This time around, he denied Michael Ramudzinga what everybody thought was a sure goal.
Securitas introduced Clifford Mukondeleli and Humbulani Netshivhazwaulu for Moses Lidovho and Rotshidzwa Mandiwana respectively. United Brothers scored in the 67th minute via Phathutshedzo Nedambale. The game came to a halt for 10 minutes just three minutes afterwards. This after the players of Securitas approached the referee, accusing him of remaining silent when the ball had arguably crossed the goal line, which he denied. A player of Securitas, Clifford Mukondeleli, was given his marching orders in the process.
A defender of United handled the ball within the box moments thereafter. At first the referee awarded a free kick but later changed his mind and awarded a penalty. That was reason enough for the players of United to tell the organizers for the tournament that they would not continue with the game if the referee did not stick to his original decision.