Shabanie coach attacked

SHABANIE Mine technical manager Taku Shariwa was on Sunday attacked by someone he suspects to be a fan of the club just before the team left for Beitbridge for a date against Tsholotsho.

Shariwa, who has been the main target of angry fans who blame him for poor results, told the The Herald he was hit on the forehead with a beer bottle.

“It happened around 3:25am and we were still in Maglas, but on our way to Beitbridge. The person called out my name and I thought it was someone I know.

“I stopped and went to him and then he said we should make sure that we win this match.

“But then he started insulting me, just like what the fans have been doing, he was saying all sorts of things and I then told him I would talk to him when he was sober.

“This angered him and he hit me with the beer bottle on my forehead.

“I’m getting treatment now at Shabanie Mine Hospital,” said Shariwa.

He said while his attacker disappeared after the incident, he went and lodged a police report.

Shabanie Mine spokesperson Wesley Weston confirmed the incident and said the police were now handling the matter.

“Yes, he was attacked and now the police are doing their investigations and we will hear more from them,” said Weston.

Last week after Shabanie Mine lost to ZPC Kariba at home, angry fans threw stones at cars and people and threatened to assault Shariwa.

Anti-riot police had to stand on guard as the fans were threatening to cause a lot of damage as they blamed him for poor results.