Game-On Column
They tell us the level of desperation by this controversial football outfit has reached another level.
Worried that this esteemed Committee might do the unthinkable, and reverse a dubious decision made by the Northern Region, the controversial outfit sent out emissaries.
Obviously, the emissaries were not empty handed when they approached this esteemed Committee, asking for a little favour.
For US$10k, they wanted this Committee to uphold a decision made by the equally controversial Northern Region.
This Region’s leadership, fronted by the popular two Musketeers, is in the eye of a storm following their infamous decision to award three points and a 3-0 score line to Scottland FC, a very popular Division One outfit owned by the filthy rich Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya.
It all started on September 15, when Karoi United hosted Scottland FC at Chikangwe in the farming town situated about 210km from the capital Harare.
With the scores at 1-1, after 88 minutes of play, match referee Mathew Dingo alleged that he was hit by a missile by an unidentified supporter.
Dingo claimed he could not continue with his duties and the match was abandoned.
What follows was a monumental silence from the Northern Region.
They only released the verdict on the case on the penultimate week of the 2024 Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL).
As expected Karoi United were found guilty of causing the abandonment of the match.
And the timing of the judgement was interesting.
MWOS were leading the race by two points going into the last round of action when the Region gifted Scottland the three points and therewith the advantage, as Sakupwanya’s side now wanted a simple win against a soft Black Mambas to win the title.
Scottland had their plans right.
They did an easy job on Mambas, winning 3-1 thanks to a dubious penalty awarded by the usually trustworthy Brighton Chimene.
As they say, everyone has a price.
Scottland FC were crowned champions at Rufaro, despite a standing appeal from Karoi United, which the two Musketeers claimed had been withdrawn.
It reads like a script from a Mafioso movie!
But, Karoi United’s appeal was acknowledged by the football mother body, muting the celebrations in Mabvuku and surrounding areas.
Even among those borrowed supporters, most of whom wanted to be in the same space Mbingas like Scott and Sir Wicknell Chivayo, who suddenly but expectedly became Scottland’s number one fan.
But, the NRSL trophy had already been presented to the President, in a sign of power by Scottland’s owner Scott.
So, those at Scottland thought this gesture would scare those within the Appeals Committee.
When it appeared like these guys who make up the Committee would not be compromised.
A fresh plan was hatched.
Dangle a US$10k offer to the guys and get this done with right away, Scott must have told his emissaries.
Those at Scottland thought the ZIFA Appeals Committee also had a price, just like most of the referees and some opponents they faced during the season.
But it turned out otherwise!
The offer was not accepted and the Appeals Committee sat on Tuesday with their minds straight.
The ruling will be out on or before Tuesday and football followers are eagerly awaiting the outcome.
It could be interesting because those at Karoi United are prepared to take the case beyond ZIFA!
Where they are getting the financial muscle to sustain this campaign, nobody knows, but what is clear is that Karoi United are determined.
Meanwhile, MWOS who also crowned themselves champions, are waiting on the wings.
It could get more complicated than the love affairs in Slimmie’s (Thompson Muzondiwa) popular Complicated Affairs drama series.
