adminThe two sides became rivals when FC Platinum won promotion to the PSL in 2011, the year the asbestos miners were struggling and nearly got relegated.
Since then the relationship between the two sides especially the fans has not been very good.
Yesterday the ZRP through Superintendent Robert Mugazambi brought the two parties together in an effort to curb hooliganism. Executive members of the two clubs including the leaders of their supporters attended the meeting.
“Last Sunday there was violence after Dynamos beat Highlanders and we do not want to see that happening in Zvishavane town. Soccer is a unifying game and all we are trying to promote here is oneness,” said Supt Mugazambi.
“We must not support visiting teams but we have to rally behind the Zvishavane teams. We go to the same churches, we share the same grave yard, drinking places, the same streets and our children go to the same schools and why should we be enemies? We must show love to each other and today we are stretching the hands of peace and do away with slogans that sow seeds of hate. I look forward to a better 2013 season for the Zvishavane teams,” said Shabanie chairman Fidelis Chimedza.
George Mawere of FC Platinum who has been on record that he wants to build good relations with Shabanie this season was singing the same tune.
“We need to forgive each other and forget what happened in the past. We must not fight and I am urging the residents of Zvishavane to support both teams if we are to get positive results.
“Shabanie Mine was on song last season and could have won the league or finished on the second position and we could have been number three but we failed because we were not united. We will offer Shabanie the excess players we have. Our rivals are outsiders, the Harare Chapter or Gweru Chapter does not help us but people in Zvishavane will always rally behind us. Hardbody were relegated because people in Gweru failed to put their resources together and give it maximum support and now they no longer have a premiership team,” said Mawere whose speech received thunderous applause.
Online Reporter