MUDASWALI - The soccer match between Makonde Manchester and Mudaswali United Brothers a fortnight ago, ended in chaos, when three players and five spectators were hit by lightning. The game took place at the Mudaswali grounds.

The teams were involved in a Sibasa District Football Association Super League match and the ground was filled to capacity. Fifteen minutes before half-time, huge clouds filled the air, and lighting and thunder appeared.

The lighting struck three players and five fans of Makonde Manchester United and they fell to the ground unconscious. All the victims were taken to the Vhufuli hospital for treatment. The three players, Gidi Rudzani, Lawrence Makhale and Takalani Mulaisi were discharged the same day. The five fans, all ladies, were released from hospital during the past week.

Seven girls were recently struck by lighting while watching a match at Khubvi. They were allegedly standing under a tree when the lightening struck. In December, a year ago, lighting struck two soccer players, one of whom died.

The Sibasa District Football Association's administrator, Mr David Ndou, came out strongly on the matter and said "if there is thunder and lightning, the referee must stop the game immediately."