Lusaka Provincial Division One side Chawama United head coach Jonathan Chilimboyi has recounted the unfortunate incidents that happened in the match between his side and Misisi Youth Academy at Katwishi Grounds in Lusaka’s Misisi Compound.
On May 1, 2024, Chilimboyi was a victim in the abandoned match between Misisi and Chawama United.
The commotion started when Chawama United took the lead in the early stages of the FAZ Lusaka Division One Week 27 rescheduled match and continued until the 87th minute, when Misisi Youth Academy fans invaded the pitch and started attacking the away team using all sorts of missiles, including stones and empty bottles of beer.
Chawama United players were rescued by police officers from Misisi Police Station for safety.
Chilimboyi reveals to BolaNews that in the process of trying to ensure all players were safe, he was stoned, resulting in a deep cut on the left side of his forehead.
The coach, the kit manager, and the media officer all sustained head injuries.
“The game started well, and we were leading by a goal,” Chilimboyi said in an interview with BolaNews, “We scored in the second minute and during the second half as we were heading to the end of 90 minutes, and when the referee signaled 2 minutes of additional time, that’s when the supporters started attacking us.”
‘It was not the first time’- Chilimboyi
Similarly, the first match was abandoned following a clash between the two sets of fans at Chawama School Grounds.
Now with eight stitches on the forehead, Chilimboyi lamented the state of security.
“I think what led to that is what happened in the first leg; our supporters and their supporters fought. The issue went to the FAZ disciplinary committee, and we were given three points and three goals, which I think provoked the Misisi supporters,” Chilimboyi said.
“When we played them, we had to protect their players, but when we went there, we were not given security.”
However, Chilimboyi’s assailant remains unidentified.
“I couldn’t identify the one who assaulted me, and I was busy protecting my players. So I can just say it was an angry mob that was throwing stones towards where the team was. It was a stone that hit me. I have eight stitches, the media officer has five stitches, and the kit manager has four stitches,” he stated.
“I think FAZ should be strict when it comes to security, especially at Misisi Academy, because their matches end prematurely. My appeal to Misisi is that football should be enjoyed on the pitch. How can we attract sponsorship for the lower clubs if such behaviour is tolerated? Football should end in a peaceful and friendly manner.”
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