admin
Raymond Jaravaza .
PERPETRATORS shall face the full might of the law!
The Zifa Southern Region will do anything to protect its image against unruly elements that engage in acts of violence as kick-off to the 2017 season draws near, a top official has warned.
Last year recorded some of the most violent attacks on referees by players and team officials, leaving heavy dents on the image of the zonal football body.
a�?The issue of violent conduct against referees and unruly behaviour by players, team officials and supporters held centre stage at our annual general meeting and we made it clear to the teams that as an executive we will not tolerate any misdemeanour that will bring the game into disrepute,a�? said league chairman Musa Mandaza.
The new season starts on the weekend of 15 and 16 April.
Three cases that hogged the limelight last season:
Ntabazinduna FC: Coach Rangarirai Nyoni was handed a 10-year ban from football activities for his role in the assault of referee Saidi Phiri after a match against Talen Vision.
Three players from the side, James Nyoni, Eddington Ndava and Garikayi Chikuvanyanga were handed one year bans for their involvement in the assault while the club was fined $800 with $300 suspended on condition they do not commit a similar offence during the 2017 season.
The coach and players threateningly charged at the referee in protest against his decision to expel their goalkeeper George Zuze.
Victoria Falls Tigers: Defender Lethukuthula Mathe (31) was slapped with a 10-year ban for assaulting referee Bekezela Makeka in a match against Amagagasi.
The player went berserk and punched the centre man several times after being red carded for a crude tackle on an opponent.
Five years of his sentence were suspended on condition that he doesna��t commit a similar offence.
Technosphere FC: 34-year old striker Artwell Nyoni was handed a 12 months suspension and $100 fine for violently charging at referee Mhaka Magare. His team manager Mthenjwa Moyo was also hit with a 10-match ban for the same offence.
The two had accused the referee of biased officiating in their teama��s 0-1 loss to Amagagasi.
Fixtures
Saturday
Bosso 90 vs Bulawayo ChiefsA� White City; Chiwororo vs Mosi Rovers White City; Indlovu Iyanyathela vs Zim Leopards Brad Barracks;A� Amagagasi vs Talen Vision Chinotimba; Makomo vs Bye
Sunday 16 April
Vic Falls Tigers vs Moto Moto Chinotimba
Tuesday 18 April
ZPC Hwange vs ZRP Byo Province Ingagula; Black Boots vs Casmyn Fair bridge
Online Reporter