The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) set to determine the outcome of the abandoned Central Region Soccer League match between Gwanda Pirates FC and Sabi Gold Mine FC after heavy rains rendered the pitch unplayable.
The encounter, which remained goalless, was halted in the 72nd minute after persistent rainfall left the field waterlogged. Referee officials initially called the players off the pitch to allow conditions to improve, with both teams waiting approximately 14 minutes in hopes of resuming play. However, the state of the pitch failed to improve, forcing the officials to abandon the match.
ZIFA Central Region Soccer League match official Musiwa Bayana confirmed that the decision on the match outcome now rests with the governing body. He explained that while all parties were keen to complete the fixture, the unsafe playing conditions made continuation impossible.
“We all wanted to finish the match, but because of the condition of the pitch, we couldn’t continue. ZIFA will make the final ruling,” said Bayana.
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Sabi Gold Mine FC head coach Khumbulani Msendeki emphasized that his team complied fully with the instructions given by match officials and did not refuse to play.
“We followed the instructions of the match officials. We did not walk away; it was a collective decision based on the conditions. Now we wait for ZIFA’s ruling,” said Msendeki.
Match officials are expected to submit a detailed report to ZIFA, which will review the circumstances before deciding whether the match will be replayed or if another resolution will be applied.
Both teams now await the association’s verdict following the abandonment of the fixture under challenging weather conditions.
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