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Ndumiso Gumede

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS will play their Easycall Cup quarter-final tie against FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane on Sunday under protest. They strongly feel that the match should have been staged at Barbourfields Stadium.

Addressing the media during the club’s weekly Press briefing yesterday, Bosso chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede said there was need to avoid sheepish resolutions.

“We aren’t happy that we return to Mandava Stadium. This cup has never been held in Bulawayo and I feel sometimes following resolutions sheepishly does not help. All Bulawayo teams are playing away; this match should have been held in Bulawayo in all honesty,” said Gumede.

No Easycall Cup match has been played in Bulawayo since its inception in 2011.

The 2011 and 2012 editions, both won by Dynamos, were held in Harare before shifting to Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane the following year. Last year, the quarter-finals edition saw Chicken Inn travelling to Mandava Stadium to face FC Platinum. The Gamecocks returned to the same venue to face eventual winners Triangle United.

Highlanders and How Mine played their quarter-final match at Ascot Stadium in Gweru, while Dynamos played against Caps United at the National Sports Stadium. DeMbare then played against How Mine in the semi-finals at Mandava Stadium where they booked a date with Triangle for the final at the National Sports Stadium.

Gumede said the Zvishavane trip comes soon after the club had just buried its loyal fan Bongani Ndlovu, who died from injuries sustained during skirmishes that occurred after the two teams’ league match at Mandava in March.

“Ndlovu is one of our supporters who was molested in Zvishavane and was involved in a car accident and sadly he is gone. It’s also a time for us to reflect that sport must not bring roughness in any of us. Let’s tolerate each other,” said Gumede.

In another development, Highlanders have been hit with a $2,000 fine by the Premier Soccer League for pitch invasion by their fans during a league match against Chapungu at Ascot Stadium last month.

Gumede confirmed the punishment but also called on match officials to be professional in their handling of games.

“I know I’m the past chairman of the referees, but I sometimes wonder why these referees are not descended on heavily, especially when they are the reason for the behaviour of supporters,” he said.