Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
CASTLE Lager Premier League (PSL) side Hardrock FC have suspended club chief executive officer Kudzanai Hove indefinitely following disturbances that allegedly contributed to the abandonment of a their league fixture against Dynamos, the club confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday
In a strongly worded statement issued by the club’s Communications and Media Liaison Officer Bruce Chikuni, the outfit said the decision was made pending the outcome of ongoing investigations into the regrettable incident.
“Hardrock FC leadership has resolved to suspend Mr. Hove for an indefinite period pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation,” read part of the statement.
The club also moved to distance itself from acts of violence and vandalism that reportedly occurred during the chaotic scenes.
“We strongly condemn all acts of violence and vandalism. Such conduct is contrary to the values of the club and has no place in football,” the statement further read.
The incident, which has sparked widespread debate within local football circles, is now under investigation, with Hardrock FC confirming they will cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities and football stakeholders.
“As Hardrock FC, we will work closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that everyone who played a role in causing the abandonment of the fixture is brought to book,” said the club.
The club added that it remained committed to safeguarding the integrity of the game while promising to provide further updates as investigations progress.
Hardrock FC also extended an apology to supporters, the football fraternity and members of the public over the unfortunate developments.
“The club extends its apologies to supporters of both teams, the wider football community, and the public for the regrettable events that occurred,” the statement noted.
The latest developments are likely to place the spotlight firmly on issues of crowd control, football administration and security management in the domestic game, particularly at a time when the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is striving to improve its image and commercial appeal.
More details surrounding the abandoned fixture and the investigation are expected to emerge in the coming days.-@FungaiMuderere
