Shooting Stars had sought to have CAPS booted for bring on Tafadzwa Jaricha moments before a penalty shootout to decide the two sides quarterfinal clash last week.
Shooting Stars, who are coached by former CAPS United mentor Gishoni Ntini, protested fiercely against the decision to bring on Jaricha as a replacement for an injured Chiwara just before the penalties arguing the match officials had erred in allowing the substitution.
But the Zimbabwe Referees Association ruled that Mutare referee Lazarus Dirwai acted within the laws of the game when he allowed the substitution, a decision that paved the way for CAPS to progress to the semi-finals.
Lengthens coach Joesten Mathuthu said his team was ready for CAPS United. “Cup games are very tricky but we have been preparing for this match and are confident of advancing to the final and defend the trophy,” he said.
His counterpart Lloyd Chitembwe welcomed the decision by the league management to throw out Shooting Stars appeal. “Football rules have been applied. We are still rebuilding this team after we lost six key players to South Africa but the young players are hungry to win things for the team. We will see how it goes on Sunday,” said Chitembwe.
Post published in: Football