Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
WHAT was supposed to be a celebration of Zimbabwean football at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe last weekend turned into a nightmare.
Instead of fans talking about goals, tactics and brilliant performances after the Hardrock and Dynamos match, the conversation sadly shifted to violence, injuries, destruction and arrests. Seven supporters ended up in hospital while chaos reportedly erupted both outside and inside the stadium.
That is not football. That is madness.
Football is called the beautiful game because it unites people. It brings together the rich and poor, young and old, men and women, all wearing different colours but sharing one passion. The stadium should be a place of joy, singing and entertainment — not a war zone.
The ugly scenes witnessed at Chahwanda Stadium are a stain on local football.
Reports indicate that nearly 5 000 supporters were left stranded outside the stadium before some allegedly forced their way in raise serious questions about crowd management, ticketing systems and security preparedness. But even when emotions boil over, violence can never be justified.
Destroying infrastructure, invading restricted areas and attacking fellow supporters only damages the image of Zimbabwean football.
Our game is already fighting many battles, poor sponsorship, ageing infrastructure and low attendance figures. Violence only pushes away genuine supporters, corporate sponsors and families who simply want to enjoy football in peace.
How can parents bring children to the stadium when they fear for their safety?
How can sponsors confidently invest in a league associated with chaos and disorder?
This culture of hooliganism must be confronted head-on before it spirals out of control.
Football authorities, clubs, supporters’ associations and law enforcement agents all have a role to play.
Clubs must educate their supporters on proper conduct and publicly condemn violence instead of silently encouraging toxic behaviour. Stadium security must improve, while organisers need proper crowd-control measures to avoid dangerous situations like the one witnessed in Kwekwe.
Supporters themselves also need introspection.
True fans support their teams passionately without turning into criminals. Losing a match is painful, controversial refereeing decisions are frustrating, and emotions often run high, but no result is worth bloodshed.
The people arrested over the disturbances must face the law if found guilty. That should send a strong warning that football violence will not be tolerated in Zimbabwe.
At the same time, authorities must investigate what triggered the chaos and ensure such scenes never happen again.
Zimbabwean football deserves better.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) should be making headlines for talent, exciting matches and packed stadiums, not police statements and hospital admissions.
Enough is enough.
Say no to football violence. Save the beautiful game.
