adminNgqwele Dube Sports Correspondent
ZIFA Bulawayo Province Division Two side Magwegwe Pirates will appear before the Southern Region Disciplinary Committee after they allegedly caused the abandonment of their match against Zimplow.Another match involving Lobengula Stars and Zimplow ended prematurely after fans invaded the pitch.
Washington Chimanda-Sithole, the provincial chairman confirmed the two incidents and the impending disciplinary hearings saying they were saddened by the unprofessional conduct displayed by the players and supporters in both instances.
According to a report at Zifa’s offices, in the match between Pirates and Zimplow at Sizinda on 10 May, referee Brian Nyoni awarded a penalty to Zimplow in the 70th minute after a foul by defender Pelius Sibanda.
Nyoni was about to send Sibanda off of the pitch but the player violently snatched the red card and tore it up after another player, Brian Jaravaza had been given a red card for abusive language against the referee.
Following the melee, Nyoni decided to end the match with the score line at 1-0 in favour of Zimplow.
On 17 May, at Lobengula grounds, Zimplow were leading the Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda-coached Lobengula Stars 3-1 and with play in injury time the home side’s supporters decided to invade the pitch, thus disrupting play.
Zimplow’s goalkeeper Petros Gushire was also assaulted resulting in the referee stopping the match.
Chimanda-Sithole said they had received reports from the clubs involved and match officials and the disciplinary hearings were likely to take place this week.
He said he was disappointed with the players’ unruly behaviour as football is not for hooligans.
“In this day and age we can’t be having hooligans for players in our game. It is wrong to take to the field no matter the circumstances. We are not going to tolerate such behaviour and clubs should be at the forefront of disciplining their players because it also affects them,” said Chimanda-Sithole.
“Clubs should send officials for administration courses so they can have a clear insight into such issues and take charge of their players whenever emotions run high.”
He said it was well known that the referee’s decision was final and if there were any contestations, clubs know the proper channels to follow in appealing against them instead of resorting to violence.
“If a team is losing and their fans think they can sway the result by invading the pitch they are fooling themselves. You can only win by playing better against opponents, teams should simply learn to accept defeat gracefully” said Chimanda-Sithole.
The veteran football administrator, however, said it was also important for those who appoint referees to provide high calibre referees aspiring for promotion instead of beginners.
He said while not condoning violence and unbecoming behaviour from players, having good referees would enable teams to concentrate on their games.
“Clubs would be competing aggressively and poor decisions might raise emotions but club officials know that if they have any query they should write a report which would be addressed by the proper authorities. Stern action will be taken against those perpetrating violence or unprofessional conduct,” he said.
The Zifa Southern Region Disciplinary Committee comprises Stanley Ntenezi, Zibusiso Ncube and Shepherd Chamunorwa.
Online Reporter