Fungai Lupande Court Reporter

A social soccer match in Epworth ended tragically after a supporter punched the winning team’s coach for not scoring more goals.

Maxwell Munemo (29) yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe facing murder charges.

He was freed on $100 bail.

As part of his bail conditions, Munemo was ordered to report every Friday at Epworth Police Station, to reside at the given address and not to interfere with State witnesses.

State intends to change the charge to culpable homicide.

Prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that on June 12 around 4pm at Chizungu Primary School football grounds, two soccer teams — Epworth City and Zaoga Epworth — met for a boozer’s soccer match.

Munemo was a supporter of Epworth City and his team won the game by three goals to nil.

It is alleged that Munemo was not happy with the scoreline and anticipated more goals for his team.

The court heard that Munemo approached an Epworth City striker, Lloyd Nota, and started accusing him of not passing the ball to others, hindering the team to score more goals.

A scuffle ensued between Munemo and Nota over the issue of scoring more goals.

Other players intervened and stopped the scuffle.

Afterwards Munemo approached the coach for Epworth City Football Club, Clever Muzadzi, and ordered him to coach the team more on passing the ball between players

Muzadzi warned Munemo that he should not teach him on how to coach and the pair had a heated argument.

Soccer players and supporters started dispersing when the game ended and Munemo approached Muzadzi again at the school gate.

Munemo told Muzadzi that one of the strikers, Nota, had assaulted him.

Muzadzi cautioned Munemo to leave him alone and this angered him.

Munemo punched him on the throat and Muzadzi fell unconscious.

Muzadzi was rushed to the police who referred him to Harare Hospital.

Muzadzi was further referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals where he died on admission.