Sunday's derby between the current log leaders of Stream E in the SAFA Vhembe League, Makhitha Oscar Stars, and Ramantsha Blackpool could not be completed after Stars' players and officials refused to continue after a controversial penalty awarded against them.
The match, played at the Makhitha Grounds, was level at 1-1 in the second half when the referee awarded a penalty to Blackpool. Up to that point, the game had been evenly contested, despite intense rivalry.
Overall, it was a closely fought encounter that could have gone either way, were it not for the incident that led to the match's abandonment. It was also a case of déjà vu as a similar situation occurred at the same venue last year when Stars' chairperson, Mr Oscar Sirovha, entered the pitch and instructed his players to leave. That case went before the SAFA Vhembe disciplinary committee, which fined Stars R6,000.
On Sunday, it appeared Stars had not learnt from the past. Their team manager, Mr Thusani Luvhengo, said they were extremely dissatisfied with the referee's decision. "The referee was robbing us," he said.
According to Ramantsha Blackpool's manager, Mr Desmond Murwamphia, Stars' players and officials stormed onto the pitch after the penalty had been awarded, angrily confronting the referee and accusing him of favouritism. The players then refused to continue the match.
SAFA Vhembe's secretary, Mr Sam Matodzi, said he was still waiting for reports from the teams, the referee, and the assistant referees. "Once we receive these reports, the teams will appear before a disciplinary hearing," he said. He urged all teams under the association to control their supporters and avoid misconduct, including assaulting match officials and players.