Pandemonium at Rundu
The 2018/19 Namibia Premier League (NPL) match between African Stars and Julinho Sporting was engulfed in drama at the Rundu sports stadium on Saturday when Zimbabwean national Tapiwa Simon Musekiwa was arrested and later released by the police.
Less than 10 minutes before the end of the first half, the police approached the match officials, indicating that they needed Musekiwa on an urgent basis.
At that point, Musekiwa was still on the pitch and the police were informed that the match cannot be stopped. However, the persistent officers insisted that the player be removed.
A debate ensued between Stars coach Bobby Samaria and the police until the referee blew the whistle for halftime. The debate then moved from the touchline to the dressing room.
Samaria showed the officers Musekiwa's passport and visa, which expires on 22 February, but they were not satisfied.
The Stars management then decided to seek legal advice. It is believed a lawyer advised that Musekiwa should only go with the police if a warrant of arrest is provided.
With the police not budging, Stars substituted Musekiwa.
The police indicated that they will go to the police station and get the necessary document.
Meanwhile, Musekiwa was nowhere to be seen during the second half. He re-emerged later, seated in the back of a white government double cab bakkie in the company of the same police and immigration officials. Namibian Sun was reliably informed that Musekiwa had earlier jumped over the stadium fence and was apprehended at a different location. The officials drove off with Musekiwa, but he was later released and travelled back to Windhoek with his teammates.
Samaria could not be reached for comment. A source said the player's passport was confiscated and he was requested to report to the immigration offices in Windhoek today.
Musekiwa is at the centre of Young African's relegation from the premier league, and wrote a declaration under oath that he played for African under the false name of Albert Mujikirera.
The player was suspended for seven matches, according to NPL chairperson Patrick Kauta. However, no documents have been provided that confirm he had indeed missed the matches he was suspended for.
Stars won Saturday's match 5-1, but it is still unclear whether the drama around Musekiwa will have an impact on the result.
KENYA KAMBOWE AND LIMBA MUPETAMI
Less than 10 minutes before the end of the first half, the police approached the match officials, indicating that they needed Musekiwa on an urgent basis.
At that point, Musekiwa was still on the pitch and the police were informed that the match cannot be stopped. However, the persistent officers insisted that the player be removed.
A debate ensued between Stars coach Bobby Samaria and the police until the referee blew the whistle for halftime. The debate then moved from the touchline to the dressing room.
Samaria showed the officers Musekiwa's passport and visa, which expires on 22 February, but they were not satisfied.
The Stars management then decided to seek legal advice. It is believed a lawyer advised that Musekiwa should only go with the police if a warrant of arrest is provided.
With the police not budging, Stars substituted Musekiwa.
The police indicated that they will go to the police station and get the necessary document.
Meanwhile, Musekiwa was nowhere to be seen during the second half. He re-emerged later, seated in the back of a white government double cab bakkie in the company of the same police and immigration officials. Namibian Sun was reliably informed that Musekiwa had earlier jumped over the stadium fence and was apprehended at a different location. The officials drove off with Musekiwa, but he was later released and travelled back to Windhoek with his teammates.
Samaria could not be reached for comment. A source said the player's passport was confiscated and he was requested to report to the immigration offices in Windhoek today.
Musekiwa is at the centre of Young African's relegation from the premier league, and wrote a declaration under oath that he played for African under the false name of Albert Mujikirera.
The player was suspended for seven matches, according to NPL chairperson Patrick Kauta. However, no documents have been provided that confirm he had indeed missed the matches he was suspended for.
Stars won Saturday's match 5-1, but it is still unclear whether the drama around Musekiwa will have an impact on the result.
KENYA KAMBOWE AND LIMBA MUPETAMI
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article