By Staff Reporter
HARARE — Zimbabwean football has been rocked by a match-fixing storm ahead of Thursday’s crunch clash between CAPS United and Scottland, with Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa insisting there will be no tolerance for match manipulation.
The controversy erupted after a leaked phone recording appeared to capture a woman identified as Bridgette Mudhosi attempting to enlist CAPS United goalkeeper Washington Arubi in a plot to influence players to throw the match.
Mudhosi allegedly claimed she had been sent by Scottland owner Scott Sakupwanya to approach the former Warriors goalkeeper.
In the recording, she says: “Ndinemadiri anditikutsvaga unofaniro kundibatsira. Ndatumwa naScott taura naKeeper arikubata atibatsireyo pakaipa” — loosely translated as: “I’m trying to pull off some deals and need your help. I was sent by Scott, who said speak to the goalkeeper to help us, the situation is bad.”
Arubi, who is sidelined through injury, appears to reject the approach, insisting he would not betray CAPS United owner Farai Jere or compromise his principles.
“Haiwa haite (No, I can’t). I have been in this game for a long period of time. Sorry, handiite izvozvo inini nditori weFair play (Sorry, I don’t do such things. I’m for fair play),” he replies.
Mupfurutsa said the league would act against match manipulation but urged CAPS United and any other aggrieved parties to submit formal complaints backed by evidence.
“As a league, we do not tolerate manipulation of matches.
“We do not tolerate corruption. What we encourage is fair play,” he said.
Mupfurutsa added: “A game should be played on the pitch within the stipulated time, without any other engagement that happens outside that.”
He said that allegations without supporting evidence made it difficult for authorities to investigate and take action.
“Match manipulation involves serious allegations that require thorough investigation with tangible evidence in whatever form,” Mupfurutsa said.
Mupfurutsa also called for law enforcement agencies to be involved, saying suspected criminal conduct required thorough and impartial investigations.
“We encourage whoever is aggrieved to come forward with their report and complete evidence so we can take the matter up the ladder,” he added.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has also warned clubs against conduct that threatens the integrity of the game.
In a circular to PSL club governors on Wednesday, ZIFA general secretary Yvonne Mapika Manwa said the association maintained a “firm zero-tolerance stance against match manipulation, corruption, and any conduct that undermines the credibility of football.”
“All clubs are expected to ensure that their officials, players, technical teams, and representatives conduct themselves in a manner that protects the reputation and values of the game,” she said.
The explosive allegations have emerged at a crucial stage of the title race, with defending champions Scottland trailing leaders Hardrock by eight points but holding two games in hand.
A win in their outstanding fixtures could cut the gap to two points with two matches remaining.
CAPS United owner Jere had previously accused Scottland of match-fixing, adding to the scrutiny surrounding Thursday’s showdown at Rufaro Stadium.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and no finding of wrongdoing has been established against Scottland or Sakupwanya.
