Bosso, Dembare game referee praised

Hardly Ndazi, the referee of the titanic clash between Highlanders and Dynamos in a crunch Castle Lager Premiership tie at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday have come in for praise for providing an excellent football atmosphere.

Ndazi, unknown until after Sunday's game, came out with flying colours. He was good with his interpretation and application of rules blowing with equal measure for either side for similar incidents.

Referees had of late been blamed for near ugly scenes at Barbourfields Stadium with some harsh decisions going against the home side.

Highlanders chairman Peter Dube praised both teams for the exemplary behaviour of their fans. He said the match officials had also lived up to the match's billing by giving a good account of themselves to ensure a smooth sailing match.

At the end of the day, he said, they were happy that football had emerged the winner.

"It is well that ends well, both teams were fantastic, the fans exemplary. At the end football won big, a big thank you to everybody. It is back to the drawing board," said the Bosso chairman.

Police acting spokesperson Bhekimpilo Ndlovu also gave the fans a thumbs up for their conduct on Sunday with just two fans in trouble for criminal nuisance.

"As the police we were impressed overall by both sets of fans, before, during and after the match. They exhibited maturity at its highest level. Even those who were at Barbourfields Stadium will testify to that," said Ndlovu.

Dynamos' vice-president of the national supporters association, Nicholas Mapanzure praised the referee and supporters for a good performance.

"That was a very big crowd. The referee held his nerve. On our side we would like to commend every supporter be it of Dynamos or Highlanders and the players for their role yesterday. That is how football should be, without any violence and throwing of missiles.

"I would like to say well done to Highlanders and of course supporters for preaching a message of self-restraint and peace all week. It's just a game and it lived up to that. We encourage as Dynamos dialogue between club supporters ahead of such matches so that the environment is like what we saw at Barbourfields Stadium," said Mapanzure.

Dynamos' Bulawayo Chapter boss Dumisani Mutorera said the behaviour of the two teams' supporters was something to commend.

Comments