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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
CONSPIRACY theories against Bulawayo giants Highlanders resurfaced on Sunday after assistant referee Bongani Gadzikwa ruled out an Edmore Muzanenhamo beauty 10 minutes before the end of a league match against Dynamos.

The disallowed goal, which even Gadzikwa will find difficult to justify in a review of his performance, spoiled what otherwise had been an entertaining game.

To fair-minded fans, a draw would have been the fairest result but due to Gadzikwa’s clumsiness, it was maximum points for DeMbare and just two goals for Bosso.

What is likely to concern Highlanders’ supporters is that this was the second incident in which the Bulawayo giants have been denied genuine goals by questionable officiating this season.

The first was in their 2-2 draw against FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium when a Knox Mutizwa strike was disallowed for a non-existent foul.

As a result, Highlanders have now lost a possible four points to bad officiating thereby losing ground to the pacesetters.

The Bulawayo giants now sit ninth on the table with 19 points, a massive 10 points behind leaders Chicken Inn, after 14 matches.

While they are still within reach of the leading pack, Bosso also find themselves close to the relegation candidates as they are only separated by just seven points. In fact, the Bulawayo giants are actually closer to the relegation zone than the league title.

Their fans’ only solace is that they went down fighting on Sunday with a top class second half performance that was ruined by poor officiating.

“It’s a game that we should have won. We played very well but if you play well and don’t win that’s not good enough. Our team needs a win rather than just a show, so we need to finish off games,” a proud Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu said in his post match interview.

DeMbare’s gifted victory saw the reigning league champions take their points tally to 26, three points behind log leaders Chicken Inn. Sunday’s morale boosting win over Bosso could eventually catapult Dynamos to a powerful surge towards a record fifth consecutive title judging by their late charges in previous seasons.

Leaders Chicken Inn’s Saturday match against firm relegation candidates, Dongo Sawmill was abandoned after the Rusape-based side protested against what they claimed was an assault on their medic.

Chicken Inn were leading 1-0 at the time and are likely to be awarded the match 3-0 as the Premier Soccer League disciplinary committee will most certainly rule in their favour.

Hwange continued to play beautiful football but still left Luveve Stadium empty-handed after falling 1-2 to gold miners How Mine.

However, the coal miners’ coach Nation Dube still believes there is no need to press the panic buttons.

“It’s not an issue (relegation), we will survive,” Dube declared after the match.

Chipangano host Dynamos in their next game at the Colliery Stadium on Sunday, and a win could just mark their road to recovery.

Triangle continued to fortify their home ground Gibbo Stadium by welcoming returning veteran coach Sunday Chidzambwa with a baptism of fire.

Chidzambwa had been away from the domestic Premiership for a number of years and Triangle denied him a triumphant return when they beat his ZPC Kariba 1-0.