By Kudakwashe Kutinyo
Barbourfields-Mzilikazi Residents have stressed out their worries over the upcoming opening match between Highlanders and Dynamos airing concerns about their safety after violence broke out in the previous encounter resulting to damage of property.
Inside Barbourfields Stadium
The previous meeting between Highlanders and Dynamos saw the match being abandoned towards half time after some angry fans threw missiles, invading the pitch, destroying the billboards, chasing after the police, referees and news crew.
In a match that caught Highlanders off guard Dynamos took the lead twice inside the first 30 minutes of the first half, Bosso's Mushore was seemingly brought down inside the Dynamos penalty box however the referee brushed it off infront of Highlanders fans who unacceptably took immediate action taking matters into their own hands.
Outside Barbourfields Stadium
Following the abandonment of the match between two traditional giants, violence erupted outside as angry supporters threw missiles at the police meanwhile the police responded in an unfashionable manner using water cannons to spray at everyone seen on sight and firing poisonous gasses at any group including those seeking refuge inside nearby homesteads.
The poisonous gas heavily affected residents who reside around the Barbourfields stadium as it spread into houses, shops and including Mpilo hospital which is a stone throw away from the stadium.
In the aftermath it was also observed that many vehicles had been damaged, as well as the durahall belonging to Mzilikazi primary school.
Football analysts Praise Dhlakama who was in attendance during the previous blockbuster match suggested that the PSL authorities should instead appoint a foreign referee to officiate the Zimbabwe Derby.
"Teargas affected a lot of people because it was spreading fast and there was no water and ventilation most of the people collapsed".
"Problems always start with match officials, I think for this match a foreign official should be invited to officiate it as it is nicknamed the battle of Zimbabwe meaning it's not an ordinary match. Look at last time the Highlanders supporters were accusing the referee for being bias and over the years both teams have been accusing the referees of being biased",said Mr Dhlakama.
Ms Thandiwe Sithole from Barbourfields surbubs highlighted how she was affected by the after effects and pleaded that authorities maximise security.
"As a bf resident I was really affected because I stay very close to the stadium, there was tear-gas all over place which inhaled while I was just seated inside my house and some supporters were fighting throwing bottles all over the place".
"I honestly think the organisers should put more tight security increase police officers and search for bottles of beers at every entry point this might ease some behaviours",said Ms Sithole.
The clash between traditional giants is set to be the opening match of the 2024 Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier league at Barbourfields stadium in Bulawayo.
More action is expected by football loving fans as both teams have been busy in the transfer market beefing up their squads and enjoying more friendly matches to come up with viable tactics for the season.
Highlanders parted ways with numerous players which include Mbongeni Ndlovu,Brighton, Washington Navaya, Stanley Ngala, Ray Lunga, Rahman Kutsanzira and added Head coach Kelvin Kaindu, assistants Try Ncube,Agent Sawu, Brian Mlotshwa, Marvin Sibanda, Mvelo Khoza, among others
Dynamos also added new troops into their squad which include Nomore Chinyerere, Temptation Chiwunga, Namibian Sydney Uri Khob, and Ghanaian Frederick Ansah Botchway among others and relieved club vice chairman Vincent Chawonza for failure to bring in two star players Obriel Chirinda and Khama Billiat, Tinashe Makanda, Nyasha Chintuli, Jayden Bakari were among the released players.
©️BANO NEWS 2024
