RONALD Pfumbidzai, Caps United’s former roving left back believes his side benefited from a clear error by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) over the weekend.
By Bhora Afrika
The PSL is highly likely to award Caps United a 3-0 win over Sheasham after the Gweru based side failed to pitch up at Mandava Stadium citing financial constraints having not budgeted for that Zvishavane sojourn.
Sheasham had indicated they would not be able to use the facility as they did not have the funds in place to cover the costs involved. They stood their ground and demanded it be played at Bata Stadium.
Bata Stadium, Sheasham’s home ground, which was given the thumbs up by ZIFA’s First Instance Board (FIB) two weeks ago was shut by PSL officials unceremoniously and without any official complaint last week.
The decision to shut it came at a time FC Platinum no longer wanted them to use their Mandava home. According to Sheasham the arrangement had not even been meant to go past April 2023 in the first place as renovations at Bata received rave reviews from ZIFA.
Responding to former Dynamos striker Norman Maroto on Twitter, Pfumbidzai questioned the move, asking for clarity on what ZIFA and the PSL had seen when they approved use of Bata Stadium and what had motivated the recent move to close it.
He was commenting on Maroto’s argument Sheasham should have travelled to Mandava and played in protest.
“I think the PSL got it wrong apo, they (Sheasham) played Bosso at home after ground rapuhwa approval suddenly things changed three days after because social media yataura. My question is; Who approved it at first and vavawoneyi chakazochinja? Remember bhora is about money, you budget,” said Pfumbidzai.
“It’s not about playing under protest but financially it drains them, remember it’s not like vakupuhwa grant from PSL, imari yemuhomwe.
“My question remains the same; haisi PSL here yaka approver ground two weeks ago vavawoneyi kuti riri ready?”
Pfumbidzai was part of the 2016 title winning Caps United squad which later claimed the scalp of Congolese giants TP Mazembe on its way into the CAF Champions League group stage. He was snapped by South African Side Bloemfontein Celtics in the middle of that campaign, moved to Chippa United before signing for Super Sport United last April.
Mandava Stadium is 120km from their Gweru base. Using nearby Ascot Stadium is not possible as the council facility has become a relic of its former glory.
The Construction Boys, as they refer to themselves have rehabilitated Bata Stadium to resemble Ngezi Platinum’s Baobab Stadium with terraces in some parts and raised areas in others.
“What makes it more disturbingly painful is that the purported reversal comes against the background of us being busy fulfilling the conditions imposed by the FIB and we are still within the time limits set to fulfil the conditions,” fumed Club Chairperson Reginald Chidawanyika in a letter to ZIFA.
“Highlanders FC having played at Bata Stadium and not having filed a formal complaint we therefore inquire the interest of stakeholders that you seek to protect.
“It is also interesting that the decision is made without providing us with an opportunity to make representation before your arrival at that decision and neither do you provide us of the detailed reasons of your decision.”