Chaos at Rufaro, match kicked off 30 minutes late

CHAOTIC scenes were the order of the day at the Bob 91 Super Cup final showdown between bitter rivals Dynamos and CAPS United at Rufaro as the tournament's organisers were once again found wanting for the second time inside a fortnight.

Barely had the dust settled on the mayhem at Barbourfields when many people who had come intending to watch the final at Rufaro ended up returning home fearing for their security as police had to battle to control the restless crowd.

The situation was not made any easier by the organisers who surprisingly opted to open fewer gates for a match of this magnitude.

There were also clearly a few police details hired but to their credit the Zimbabwe Republic Police officers on duty tried their best under the circumstances.

The encounter itself kicked off 30 minutes later ostensibly because the programme was running late and a parachute display had to be accommodated.

Members of Parliament, journalists, invited guests and ordinary fans had to scurry for cover from police dogs as the police battled to contain the situation outside the few gates that were open.

During the mayhem at the gates, pickpockets had a "field day" as they took advantage of the chaos.

Ordinary fans were not alone to endure the chaos as VIP guests, sponsors and the media personnel found it difficult to enter the stadium with many only managing to get in after more than an hour of frustration outside.

Some media personnel, who were covering the match, only managed to gain entrance when it nearly was half-time after eventually paying their way in.

The entry point usually reserved for journalists and VIPs was closed and they had to try to negotiate with ordinary fans at other turnstiles.

It was clear that organisers of the cup had no clear-cut plan on how to handle those that had supported them to make the event a success like journalists and sponsors.

Former football star Stewart Murisa was supposed to be an analyst for the match but had no joy as he only entered just before Ronald Chitiyo's goal in the 32nd minute.

It was sickening sight as sponsors and the media fought running battles with police details who had dogs and was embarrassing for local football which is crying out loud for corporate support.

By the time the journalists managed to enter the stadium, there was little space for them to seat and do their work after some fans had invaded the area, jokingly reserved for the media by ZIFA and PSL.

On the pitch the game endured brief stoppages as missiles once again continued to rain in from the terraces.

Last week, the Bob@91 elimination match between CAPS United and Highlanders was also rocked by violence and it seemed the organisers were not deterred as they failed to control the crowds.

After the chaos at Barbourfields, both the PSL and ZIFA strongly condemned the hooliganism but it seemed organisers of the Bob@91 Super Cup never learnt the lesson

Away from the mayhem, returning CAPS United striker Leonard Tsipa believes the Green Machine will be a force once again in the Premiership this season, despite suffering a reverse against old enemies Dynamos in yesterday's match.

Tsipa, a veteran of many CAPS United battles,. has bounced back at Makepekepe after a season's loan at Eastern Region Division One outfit Masvingo United.

Yesterday, he came on as a second half substitute but Tsipa was powerless to stop Dynamos from getting their revenge.

Tsipa, who was on loan at Masvingo United last season, returned to his boyhood club and played as a second half substitute against Dynamos yesterday.

The player, who received a lot of praise from CAPS United faithful, changed the game when he came in and showed some glimpses of his brilliant old self.

The goal getter said the team is heading to the right direction and will this year be difficult to beat.

"We have a good team that has a lot of potential and losing today was part of the game and we look forward to improve next time.

"It is painful to lose to Dynamos as it is a big derby but if it's not your day that can happen.

"There are a lot of factors but as a pre-season we hope we will find our form and do well in the next tournaments. Tsipa said he is back and is expecting to score goals in the upcoming season and put Makepekepe where they belong.

"I hope to score goals for the team and help it make an impact in the championship race given the chance. As a footballer I always look forward to winning, which also means hard work.

"We have good players who are very ambitious and the character they are showing will improve the team immensely. The young players are willing to learn and it is through that they will improve.

"Nothing much has changed in CAPS United as there are good players who can do the job," Tsipa said.