The iconic Rufaro Stadium played host to an electrifying encounter between arch-rivals Dynamos FC and Highlanders FC, with the two giants serving up a 2-2 draw in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
The match was a testament to the enduring passion and rivalry between the two teams, with the stadium’s three ends the George Shaya popurlaliy known as the Vietnam Stand, City End, and Mbare Musika, buzzing with excitement.
Despite a strong first-half performance from Highlanders, which saw them take a 1-0 lead through Never Rauzhi, Dynamos fought back in the second half, with Tellmore Pio equalizing before Mongameli Tshuma’s 77th-minute strike gave Bosso the lead.
Collin Mujuru’s late equalizer ensured the points were shared.
However, the match wasn’t without controversy, as referee Thabani Ruzario’s handling of a late incident left fans scratching their heads.
Tshuma appeared to headbutt Mujuru, but Ruzario’s decision to brandish a red card, only to rescind it having consulted with the fourth official, sparked debate.
Fans who spoke to Fanzone after the match expressed their frustration with the officiating.
Mayibongwe “Mgijimi” Mkhweli, the 2024 Castle Lager Fan of the Year, said, “It was a nice game between Highlanders and Dembare, they played a very nice game. What I would like to say on the next coming matches, we do have some little bit of challenges in terms of refereeing, I don’t know where we are lacking but let’s say this is a stepping stone, next time let us try to improve in terms of refereeing.”
Thokozani Bhebhe, a Bosso fan, echoed Mgijimi’s sentiments, “Our football is really improving but my plea is for match officials to officiate these matches in a professional manner.”
He also raised concerns about ticket prices and the delays fans face to get into stadiums, “My second plea is directed to the Premier Soccer League on the increase in the gate charges for this season, today’s game was a big game, yes and $5 is a fair price but if you notice stadiums were empty on match day 1, because the increase has hit us hard to be honest.”
”There is also another issue during entering the stadiums, we are facing delays to get into the stadiums, I’m urging the Premier Soccer League to urgently look into this match,” added Bhebhe.
Nommatter Isusu Munuwa, a Dynamos supporter, agreed, “I got back the value for the $5 that I paid today, I don’t have any complains in terms of the entertainment we got inside the field of play. But I have got concerns about the $5 PSL pegged as the cheapest ticket for the season, there are games where I feel some teams will not attract a big turnout like today because the $5 I feel that it is a bit expensive for some.”
Chikoni Koni, a Scottland FC fan, shared similar views, “This match was a very entertaining match although it ended in a draw, the $5 I paid to watch this match was a really good price, I got back my value for the money I paid, but those other small and upcoming teams I think it will be a challenge for them to attract fans because of the $5 PSL pegged as the cheapest ticket.”
The fans are back, and they are hungry for more.
Will the PSL take heed of their concerns and address the issues surrounding ticket prices and officiating?
The stage is set for an enthralling season.
