Horrendous Benza tackles leave MacClive with a broken arm

Highlanders right-back MacClive Phiri was the major victim of Herentals’ horrific tackling as the fullback was rushed to Mpilo Hospital after sustaining a fractured right upper humerus in a Castle Larger Premier Soccer League (PSL) that ended in a goalless draw at Barbourfields stadium on Sunday.

The Harare-based side whose game plan was clearly to frustrate their opponents and walk away with a point applied all ‘dirty’ tricks to neutralise Highlanders who were by far, the better side in terms of ball possession and creation of scoring chances. Like in all other previous matches, Bosso could not turn their dominance to something meaningful as they fluffed their goal scoring opportunities.

That Highlanders have gone for eight consecutive league matches without a win is indeed a major concern, but the major highlight of the Sunday match was when Tinotenda Benza literally turned the tie into a rugby match with some tackles that could have left Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira green with envy.

The referee of the day Lysias Dika who was clearly overwhelmed by the occasion let the light weight Herentals midfielder off the hook for committing two similar fouls within a period of three minutes.

He pushed left-back Mbongeni Ndlovu against the perimeter fence in the 39th minute before committing a similar foul on Phiri, resulting in him (Phiri) being rushed to Mpilo Hospital with a fractured humerus in the 42nd minute.

Ndlovu had to continue with a bandage on his left arm, and the doctors are yet to assess the extent of his injury.

Team Doctor Shepherd Khumalo confirmed Phiri’s injury, indicating that the player was going to be attended by a specialist, but it was almost certain that the right-back will be on the sidelines for at least six weeks.

“MacClive suffered a fracture of the right humerus. He needs to be operated as soon as possible, putting a stent. He is likely to be out for at least six weeks, and will see the specialist doctors tomorrow (today),” said Khumalo.

Phiri joins other two defenders Charlton Siamalonga and Bukhosi Ncube who are already nursing an ankle and a knee injuries respectively.