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Zanu-PF contaminating local football

by AFP
2 hrs ago | Views
Zanu-PF linked side Scottland is just one match away from securing a coveted ticket to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) as they prepare to face in-form Black Mambas in the final round of the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) on Friday after being dubiously awarded 3 points an abandoned match.

Scottland climbed to the top of the NRSL standings after the league's disciplinary committee awarded them a 3-0 victory over Karoi United, stemming from a controversial abandoned match on September 15. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw before it was called off due to crowd trouble, saw referee Matthew Dingo struck by a missile, prompting the intervention of match officials. Despite Karoi United pleading not guilty to the accusations, the committee found them responsible for the abandonment.

With this ruling, Scottland now sits atop the standings with 84 points from 37 matches, just two points ahead of former leaders MWOS, who have 82 points from the same number of games. The final round of matches will be crucial, with both title rivals playing at home. Scottland will host Black Mambas at Rufaro Stadium, while MWOS will take on Agama at Ngoni Stadium.

Scottland cannot afford to drop any points against Black Mambas, who narrowly missed out on the NRSL title last season. Meanwhile, MWOS will clinch the title if they win and Scottland fails to secure a victory. With MWOS enjoying a superior goal difference, the pressure is on Scottland to deliver a strong performance in front of their home fans.

The NRSL disciplinary committee's decision was a significant blow to Karoi United, highlighting their failure to ensure adequate security and manage their fans. The committee noted that Karoi United's lack of remorse regarding the incident contributed to their punishment, which not only included the forfeiture of the match but also a fine.

In their statement, the committee emphasized that Karoi United's actions brought the league into disrepute and pointed out that this was not the first instance of match abandonment linked to their conduct.

As Scottland prepares for this decisive clash, their players and coaching staff are focused on maintaining their momentum and seizing the opportunity to advance to the PSL, a goal they have been striving towards throughout the season.

Source - online