Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapes Sports Hub
THE country’s football mother body Zifa has expressed its “deepest regret and condemnation” of the violent attack that occurred during the Central Region Division One match between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates, resulting in the abandonment of the game and serious injuries to two individuals.
The Zifa Central Division One action between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates turned to a war zone over the weekend following reports that a former’s fans were allegedly stabbed by the latter’s follower.
The match was abandoned at 68 minutes due to violent incidents.
A Gwanda Pirates player was also reported to have fired gunshots, while supporters threw stones and poured beer on the match commissioner.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the victims and their families during this
difficult time, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery. Football must be a unifying force – never a source of harm, fear, or division. What transpired is deeply troubling and completely unacceptable. It represents a failure in our collective duty to provide a safe environment for players, officials, and fans,” said Zifa in a statement.
They added: “Zifa takes this matter with the utmost seriousness and has already instituted a full and independent investigation to determine the circumstances leading to this attack. In parallel, we are initiating the following immediate corrective measures. A comprehensive review and overhaul of our match-day security protocols, including the deployment, training, and coordination of stewards and security personnel. Tightened access control and screening procedures at all sanctioned matches to prevent the entry of weapons or other dangerous items. Enforced crowd control measures, including the separation of rival supporters at fixtures deemed high-risk.”
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