Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere ,Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT was meant to be a football match, instead it became a battleground.
The high-stakes Central Region Division One clash between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates exploded into chaos over the weekend, leaving two fans stabbed, a match commissioner drenched in beer, and terrified players fleeing for cover amid reports of gunshots.
Now, Zimbabwe’s football mother body ZIFA is stepping in, hard.
“What transpired is deeply troubling and completely unacceptable,” ZIFA fumed in a statement. “Football must never be a source of harm, fear, or division.”
The match, played at the volatile Maglas Stadium, was abandoned in the 68th minute after fans from both sides clashed violently. Witnesses say Gwanda Pirates supporters launched a vicious attack, allegedly stabbing two Shabanie fans while chaos erupted in the stands.
Adding to the horror, a Gwanda Pirates player was accused of firing a gun during the fracas, a claim the club has since denied, calling it a “baseless fabrication.” Still, the damage was done: blood spilled, stones flew, beer rained down on officials, and terrified fans ran for their lives.
ZIFA has since launched an independent investigation, promising to get to the bottom of the ugly scenes.
“We have already instituted a full inquiry,” the association stated. “Immediate corrective measures are being taken, including tightening security protocols, screening fans for weapons, and separating rival supporters at high-risk matches.”
One shocked fan told B-Metro, “We came to watch football, not to die. What happened was pure madness.”
As investigations unfold and emotions remain raw, the question lingers: is football losing its soul to violence?
More to follow as the story develops…
