Nine suspected Bosso fans arrested

SUSPECTED Highlanders fans ran riot on Sunday after their team fell 2-1 to Dynamos in the first leg of the Bob '89 Super Cup at Barbourfields. Police in Bulawayo yesterday confirmed arresting nine supporters following ugly scenes of violence that rocked the surroundings of Barbourfields after the match.

Patrick Kumbula and skipper Tawanda Muparati scored for the Glamour Boys, while Beaven Chikaka pulled one goal back for Bosso.

Dembare now have the advantage ahead of the second leg of the Bob '89 Super Cup at Rufaro on February 24.

However, some suspected Bosso fans could not stomach the defeat and probably felt hard done by the officiating from Bulawayo referee Mlandeli Ndebele.

Even Bosso coach Kevin Kaindu, usually a reserved man, expressed reservations at the way Ndebele handled the match.

Rowdy fans then took matters into their own hands when they confronted suspected Dynamos fans outside the match venue and police had to fire teargas canisters to quell the anarchy.

Bulawayo Provincial police spokesperson Mandlenkosi Moyo yesterday said nine people had been picked up following the violence.

Moyo said the suspects were charged with criminal nuisance and have since paid fines while a 12-year-old boy was taken to Mpilo Hospital after he sustained a deep cut on his forehead.

The police said a windscreen to one vehicle was smashed during the violence which marked a sad end to a busy afternoon in the aftermath of the match.

Premier Soccer League chief executive, Kenny Ndebele, said his office had not been informed of the skirmishes that occurred outside the stadium after Sunday's match.

However, Dynamos team manager Richard Chihoro said he had received reports that a number of their fans had been injured in the clashes.

"We left the stadium safely in the team bus, but I understand that some of our supporters were injured during the clashes.

"I am not sure what was happening but all the same it's bad for football. Violence should not be allowed in our stadiums and we urge everyone, including our fans, to enjoy the game peacefully. After all, it's just a game of football," said Chihoro.

Chihoro felt that his team managed to beat Highlanders because they utilised the few chances they created.

"Highlanders dominated us during the match, but we created few chances and scored. We just had few chances and then used them and maybe that was what pained their supporters.

"We heard that more than eight (of our) fans were attacked during the fracas," said Chihoro.

Dynamos' win boosted their confidence before they plunge into the into the Caf Champions League with a preliminary round match against Lesotho Correctional Services at Rufaro this Sunday.

The Zimbabwean league champions had not managed to get their best out of their pre-season preparations after some of the key players they had enlisted for the Champions League joined foreign sides.

Strikers Simba Sithole and Roderick Mutuma joined South African Premiership sides while DeMbare could not renew their contract with speedy forward Martin Vengesayi.

Sithole is now with SuperSport United while Mutuma found a new home at Bloemfontein Celtic and at present, Dynamos are still to secure the full services of gangly Hwange forward Francisco Zekumbawire.

Hwange secretary Burzil Dube yesterday said they will only allow the ginger-haired forward to join Dynamos once the Harare giants have paid US$15 000 for a year's loan.

"As far as I know Zekumbawire has not started training with Dynamos but they have indicated that they could be depositing the money before the end of this week," said Dube yesterday.

There had been concern in the Dynamos camp over the fitness of Farai Mupasiri, who was struggling with an injury but the striker appears to be on the road to recovery after he came on as a substitute in Sunday's match.

Dynamos have already secured the services of talented Ugandan attacking midfielder, Boban Zirintusa, who could be used just behind the strikers.

In their pre-season matches, Dynamos have played against newly-promoted Division One side Mashowani and Premiership returnees Black Rhinos.

Dynamos have also engaged Triple B and Mamelodi Sundowns as sparring partners, but it was their match against Bosso on Sunday which could give them more confidence.

Last week, Dynamos held South African giants - Mamelodi Sundowns - to a goalless draw in an international friendly at Gwanzura.

Meanwhile, DeMbare's opponents in the Champions League, Lesotho Correctional Services, are camping in Botswana where they are set to play Gaborone United today.

According to reports from Lesotho, the match will be the prison guards' last preparatory match before they face DeMbare on Sunday.

Last week, LCS drew 0-0 with South African Premier League side Free State Stars in a friendly match at the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru.

Lehlohonolo Matlosa, the club's secretary told "Public Eye" that the game against Gaborone United would be their last before meeting Dynamos.

"We believe it is going to be very helpful to the team.

"We were really satisfied with the team's performance against Free State Stars even though we did not score. This, therefore, means our coaches should work hard in ensuring the players find the much-needed goals," he said.

The Lesotho side is expected to leave Gaborone tomorrow afternoon and are expected in Harare on Thursday.

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