Japajapa, Romario slam hooliganism

supporters in their game against Gunners last week and urged the authorities to find mechanisms to stamp out the cancer in the domestic game.
Japajapa, a staunch Green Machine fan, who was backed by Dynamos and Warriors’ cheerleader Chris Musekiwa, said hooliganism has no place in the ‘beautiful game’, as it damages the image of the game and scares away sponsors.
The pair was unanimous in condemning a section of the supporters that went berserk last Sunday and threw missiles on the pitch in protest against the team’s bad fortunes in the abandoned match against Gunners.
Japajapa also said Zifa, the Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwe Republic Police should work hand in hand to identify ringleaders who perpetrate hooliganism to mete out severe punishment on them.
“To say the least, that was barbaric behaviour from our supporters and we are calling on the authorities to use all means to identify and ban the ring leaders like what is done in other countries.
“It’s not a difficult proposition because most of the leaders of these hooligan elements are well known among the supporters.
“They should also use all available evidence like photographs and videos and banish the guilty parties because these people are enemies of the game.
“They should not be seen anywhere near the stadiums. Police should also play their role.
“They should be facing the stands the whole 90 minutes instead of watching the game because they are paid for that,” said Japajapa.
He said fans have an important part to play in protecting the image and in marketing the brand of the game to the corporate world.
Japajapa said hooliganism is a bad advertisement to the game and should be nipped in the bud. He urged PSL to punish elements that led to last Sunday’s violent incidents.
“We were very lucky to get a sponsor on board this season and people should not abuse the privilege to tarnishing the good image of the game.
“This is a serious breach on the sponsors and PSL should come hard on all individuals and teams whose fans engage in such behaviour. It doesn’t matter it’s our team CAPS United or any other club.
“This element was left to mature at CAPS from the first half of the season when people turned violent against the coach whenever the team played badly.
“I even advised them in one of my columns in The Herald to give Moses Chunga a chance to settle but nobody heeded that.
“So this cancer has been left for too long and it has been growing to the stage where the supporters think that it’s acceptable to express their displeasure using violence,” said Japajapa.
CAPS are set to face Dynamos in the 68th Harare derby at the National Sports Stadium this Sunday.
Dynamos cheerleader Musekiwa said football fans should learn to co-exist despite the rivalries on the field of play and called on supporters to come in their numbers.
“We are calling for unity in creating a good playing atmosphere for the teams.
“The responsibility lies with all the 16 teams in the league. Football is entertainment and it should be a family day for all despite the differences in the teams that we support.
“Our core business as supporters should be to cheer the teams, enjoy ourselves and we should also come prepared to accept any result.
“The losing team should accept defeat and all sides should avoid provocative remarks, hate songs and other form of celebrations that demean others.
“This is football and not war. We should respect the rights of one another and we must remember that the referee’s decision is final,” said Musekiwa. He also called on the leadership of the supporters’ bodies to convene regular inter-club meetings to educate their fans on the values of friendship and fair play.