Bosso, Dembare in Battle of Zimbabwe

By Perkins-Tino Bare
A resurgent Highlanders will face their strongest test so far when they face Dynamos in the second semi-fianl of the Easycall Cup to be played this Sunday at Barbourfields stadium. The first semi-final is set to be played at the same venue oin Saturday the 4th as Caps United take on Chicken Inn who have somewhat of a chance at a league double given the infancy of the tourney.
Highlanders who had been on a winning streak in a league that saw them creeping up the log onto 6th position, will be hoping to bank on their recent run of good form. Players to look forward to in the match for Bosso are Ralph Matema and Know Mutizwa who have been getting the goals for Highlanders. Bosso will be looking to bag their first piece of silverware thie season in the Easycall Cup as they enjoy home advantage in the semi finals.  
Its not looking good for Dynamos however as their two strikers Takesure Chinyama and Roderick Mutuma could miss the match after they were handed four match ban over violent conduct in their Chibuku Super Cup against Harare City who were the eventual winners of the tournament. The two were also fined $1500 each with $500 being suspended on condition they do not commit the same offence again. The fine and the hearing costs are expected to be paid by 31 December 2015.
The two were charged for assaulting referee Philani Ncube in their 2-1 loss against Harare City. In the video footgae that was used to concict the two Rederick Mutuma was pointed as the most vocal between the two saying “Murimabharanzi (You fool), that is why you were fired from Cosafa,” among other insulting words. Takesure Chinyama was busy shouting as well in the abuse of the referee as he charged at the referee. The ban is with immediate effect but the two could still play if they appeal against the ban which would see them being eligible for that fixtaure which is this Sunday.
“In arriving at the appropriate sentence, we have taken into account the fact that there is need to ensure that players are deterred from acting on their emotions,” reads part of the judgment.
“The behaviour displayed on the video is quite threatening — someone charging at the referee in that manner can only lead one to think that they may act on their emotions and possibly assault the official. A threat of violence is indeed violence. There is need, therefore, to send a very strong message to deter like-minded people.”  
“The derogatory words were uncalled for. The accused did not show any remorse whatsoever, especially Mutuma. The accused’s defences were frivolous and without merit and contrary to what was explicit in the video. These are seasoned players, who should lead by example. As such, a deterrent sentence is, therefore, appropriate to stamp out such conduct once and for all.”
Dynamos has however come out in full support of the two arguing that football is a game of emotions. “Football is a game of emotions and it was unreasonable to expect players to keep quiet, especially if they feel that the decision made by the referee is wrong they will charge against the referee and this happens the world over.” said the Dynamos chairman Webster Chikengezha. Dynamos coach also says he has already advised the two to appeal against the ban.
The ban comes at possibly the worst moment for Dynamos as they are playing Highlanders away from home. Bosso themselves have been on a resuregent ever since Cosmas Zulu and Amini Soma Phiri took over form Bongani Mafu. They revolutionalised the way the team had been playing which has seen Highlanders applying a more aggressive approach to their style of play from a fancy approach. This has seen Bosso winning matches in a smash and grab fashion which is exactly what they did in the 1st round of the Easycall Cup where after FC Platinum dominated the proceedings, they went ahead to score in the 92nd minute. Bosso os by far not playing attractive footbal but it has been able to win them matches and in the latter half of their season they really impressed most which saw Cosmas Zulu and Amini Soma Phiri being pitted to take over form next season.
Going into Barbourfileds Dynamos will have the edge that they seem to find a way in their darkest valley. Dembare seem to be more comfotbale playing Highlanders out at Barboufileds than at Rufaro. Having the two play will be a wel deserved way to end what has been again a wonderful season of football.
Barbourfileds seems to be the place to eb this season as the 1st semi is also set to be played at the same venue on Saturday. Caps United play recently crowned champions Chicken Inn. The gamecocks will be hoping to have some form of a double as the three giants of Zimabwean football Dynamos, Highlanders and Caps United seek to save themselves from a trophyless season. 
Its good to note that two giants in Zimbabwe football Highlanders and Caps United are back on their way up once again. It just remains to be seen as these teams will be both to look out for come next season.
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