HIGHLANDERS coach Baltemar Brito has accused the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) of cancelling his team’s face-off against rivals Dynamos for no other reason other than protecting it against a likely loss.
By Bhora Afrika
THE SRC ordered a postponement of the match after the two teams were fixtured to play at this year’s Independence celebrations in Mt. Darwin.
Speaking to journalists Thursday, Brito said the decision was not meant to protect football but taken based on a weak Dynamos’ recent poor performances and its heavily depleted side.
Dynamos have drawn their last two matches against minnows Simba Bhora and Cranborne Bullets, failing to score in both instances.
After their 0-0 draw with Simba Bhora, four key players including skipper Frank Makarati were left injured.
“This decision was only to protect Dynamos because they came from two draws, they have injured players and are in a bad state. We cannot runaway from this, that decision was not taken to protect football but just to protect Dynamos.,” said Brito.
“Even as it stood they were a bit afraid of this match. Right now we need to respect the decision, the next game is against them but they are staying in Harare, fresh and we need to travel.”
Brito, who was flanked by club legend Madinda Ndlovu and his co-Assistant Coach Antonio Torres said the decision to cancel had also affected their plans as they no longer knew how to manage government’s Independence Cup, a fixture against Yadah FC next week and fulfillment of Dynamos’ match-up.
Added Brito: “The cancellation with only two days to go changed a lot because we had planned for a game on Saturday.
“A lot has changed, we have a game against Yadah FC, we do not know whether we will play on Friday or Saturday, whether we will have to come back to Bulawayo or stay in Harare.
“I hope ZIFA and every other stakeholders treat teams equally, this is not good, this is not fair. If they protect one team they should protect another one too.”
2 Responses