The Sunday News
Munyaradzi Musiiwa in Gweru
Nichrut………………………………………………………. (2) 3
Caps United………………………………………………… (1) 4
SIMBA Nhivi scored the first hat-trick of the 2018 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season as Caps United came from 3-1 down to overpower Nichrut at Ascot Stadium in Gweru yesterday.
Nhivi’s three strikes were consolidated by an own goal from Bruce Gurure while Nichrut got their goals from Tatenda Hapazari, Gerald Bhero, and Shepherd Sithole.
The match’s resplendence was, however, ruined towards the end when chaos reigned supreme in the grandstands when disgruntled Nichrut supporters who could not stomach their team relinquishing a 3-1 lead to Caps United descended on the visitors’ supporters, throwing missiles in the form of stones, empty beer bottles, iron bars and sticks.
Police had a torrid time trying to restore sanity and had to unleash tear smoke at the Nichrut supporters to disperse them after its dog section failed to restrain them.
Referee Artwell Mazire was forced to stop the match for close to 15 minutes and later resumed when Nichrut fans left the venue.
Notwithstanding the violence the grandeur of the match eclipsed all the disturbances.
Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe commended his charges for staging one of the greatest comebacks in the premier league this season.
“I am very happy with the result although we lapsed a bit in the first half and conceded three goals.
“However, I’m happy with the spirit that the players showed,” he said.
Nichrut gaffer John Nyikadzino was disappointed with his team after relinquishing a 3-1 lead.
“We played well in the first half scored three goals but we later went to sleep and we were punished by Caps United,” he said.
