The highly anticipated Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final between Simba Bhora and Highlanders at Wadzanai was abandoned after 79 minutes due to a controversial penalty call.
Referee Cecil Ngwezere halted the match after a lengthy 30-minute stoppage, prompted by Highlanders captain and goalkeeper Arial Sibanda’s refusal to take his position in goal.
The match had already experienced a five-minute delay prior to the penalty decision, stemming from disturbances in the stands. Play resumed briefly but was interrupted again when Ngwezere awarded a penalty to Simba Bhora for a collision between Peter Muduhwa and substitute Tinashe Balakasi, which appeared to occur outside the box, as confirmed by television replays. Balakasi’s dramatic fall deceived the referee.
Following this decision, Highlanders players protested and walked to their bench. When they returned, Sibanda again refused to play. After another stoppage, match officials tried to mediate between the two captains, but Sibanda walked away, leaving his teammate Walter Musona and the officials in discussion.
Despite Sibanda’s refusal to continue, the rest of the Highlanders team remained on the field. After another failed attempt to engage with Sibanda, the referee ultimately blew the final whistle.
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The PSL disciplinary committee will now determine the match’s outcome and who will face Ngezi Platinum in the semi-finals, while the winner of the Dynamos versus Yadah match will meet Manica Diamonds.
Both coaches, Tonderai Ndiraya of Simba Bhora and Kelvin Kaindu of Highlanders, expressed their disappointment over the match’s conclusion. Ndiraya believed his team could have won if the game had resumed, criticizing the incident for tarnishing local football’s reputation. He noted that while the first half was balanced, his team had created better scoring opportunities.
Kaindu echoed this sentiment, stating it was disheartening to represent the league in such a manner, as it impacts sponsors and the overall integrity of the competition.
Highlanders made three changes to their lineup following a recent loss to CAPS United, with Sibanda stepping in as goalkeeper. The first half saw an open contest, with both teams missing key chances. Highlanders had an early penalty shout in the third minute, but it was denied, while Simba Bhora missed several opportunities, including a significant chance from Mthokozisi Msebe.
The second half started with Highlanders applying pressure, but Simba Bhora began to regain control after introducing new strikers. The eventual match suspension left fans and players disappointed, highlighting ongoing challenges within local football. Simba Bhora vs. Highlanders
