No fans as Herentals host Chicken Inn

HERENTALS will carry their disciplinary sanctions from last season into the new campaign after their opening match against Chicken Inn FC on Saturday afternoon was ordered to be played behind closed doors.

The development was confirmed by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in a statement released on Saturday morning ahead of the kick-off later in the day.

“We would like to remind fans that the match between Herentals and Chicken Inn scheduled for Saturday, March 7 will be played behind closed doors as Herentals will be serving an ongoing disciplinary judgement issued by the PSL Disciplinary Committee,” the PSL said.

The sanction stems from a ruling handed down by the PSL Disciplinary Committee last season, which found the club guilty following incidents that occurred during a league match against CAPS United FC.

According to the judgement, Herentals were fined US$5 000 and ordered to play three matches behind closed doors.

The ruling followed incidents of assault and disorderly conduct involving Herentals security officials Paradzai Afa and Tairos Ngoma during a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Rufaro Stadium on September 13, 2025.

The disciplinary action means Herentals will begin their new league campaign without the support of their fans as they serve part of the sanction imposed by the league’s disciplinary structures.

Fixtures

Saturday
Herentals v Chicken Inn (Rufaro Stadium)
Ngezi Platinum v FC Platinum (Boobab)
Triangle v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo)
Telone v Dynamos (Ascot Stadium)

Sunday
Caps United v Agama (Rufaro Stadium)
Manica Diamonds v Simba Bhora (Gibbo Stadium)
Hardrock v Scotlland (Chawanda Stadium), Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields Stadium)