Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Premier Soccer League have come down hard on acts of misconduct threatening the integrity of the top-flight body and yesterday heavily sanctioned Herentals and Highlanders coach Pieter de Jongh.
Herentals will play their two remaining home matches for this season behind closed doors after they were found guilty of breaching the PSL’s security protocol last month.
The club has been fined US$5 000 while two of their marshals Paradzai Afa and Tairos Ngoma have been banned in-definitely from performing any official team duties in PSL-sanctioned matches.
Yesterday’s PSL disciplinary committee ruling means that the Students will be without their intimidating home support when they host sworn rivals and relegation-threatened outfit Yadah Stars at Rufaro this Saturday.
They will also be without those passionate followers in their tie against ZPC Kariba, whom they will welcome at Rufaro for a Match-day 34 assignment, their last of the season.
Herentals fans can only follow their team away at Mandava when they travel to face former champions FC Platinum in the penultimate fixture of the year.
In their judgement, the PSL Disciplinary Committee noted with concerns that Herentals had become repeat offenders.
“The Disciplinary Committee ordered that Herentals FC be fined US$5 000.
“In addition, Paradzai Afa and Tairos Ngoma have been banned from performing any official club duties during PSL matches.
“The club will also be required to play its next three home matches behind closed doors, with only accredited personnel permitted to attend.
“These sanctions take effect from Match-day 32, beginning with Herentals FC’s home fixture against Yadah FC,” read part of the statement outlining the sanctions.
Afa and Ngoma were found guilty after assaulting a fan and a policeman when Herentals played CAPS United at Rufaro on September 13.
“The Premier Soccer League (PSL) Disciplinary Committee issued a judgement in the matter involving Herentals Football Club and their security officials, Paradzai Afa and Tairos Ngoma following incidents of assault and disorderly con-duct during a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against CAPS United FC played at Rufaro Stadium on 13 September 2025.
“Herentals FC pleaded guilty to breaching the PSL Rules and Regulations after one of their security officials assaulted a football fan in the VVIP area while another assaulted a police officer following an arrest for violence after the match.
“In delivering its judgement, the Disciplinary Committee expressed concern that Herentals FC has become a repeat offender, frequently appearing before the committee on charges related to violent conduct.
“The Committee further noted that the previous sanctions imposed on the club and its officials have not been effective in deterring further misconduct, particularly by the same individuals (Afa and Ngoma.)
Herentals become the first team to be banished from having fans at the stadium in the post the Covid-19 period.
While Premiership giants Highlanders and Dynamos had their fans ran amok at Barbourfields two years ago, they escaped with hefty fines, while their supporters were allowed back to the clubs’ other assignments.
The PSL, however, defended their decision insisting they have a mandate to uphold the safety of all the game’s stakeholders.
“The PSL reiterates its commitment to upholding safety and security in football. Clubs are urged to ensure that their officials and security personnel are properly trained and that they conduct themselves in accordance with PSL Rules and Regulations.”
De Jongh slapped with fine
On his part Highlanders coach De Jongh has been fined US$1 250 for publicly questioning the integrity of the PSL and the elite league’s partners after Bosso’s Chibuku Super Cup semi-final defeat to rivals Dynamos at Rufaro last Sunday.
The outspoken Dutchman lit up social media when he fumed that his side had played against “12 men,” a clear swipe at the match officials after a series of disputed calls in the tense clash which was decided by the penalty shoot-out lottery with DeMbare prevailing 5-4.
“It’s always difficult to play against 12 players. The first goal was a big shame. There is no fair play,” De Jongh snapped after the game, before taking aim at the league’s scheduling.
“How is it possible that Dynamos must play on Saturday and next week play on Saturday and next week play on Sunday? Make an article about that. But you are not doing that.”
The league confirmed that De Jongh was sanctioned under the PSL Standing Order Fines Schedule, which covers minor to moderate offences such as unsporting behaviour and public misconduct.
Unlike serious breaches that warrant a disciplinary hearing, De Jongh’s conduct was dealt with through a spot fine, as the incident fell within the scope of the standing orders.
His offence, according to the league, was “issuing statements to the media implying bias and questioning the integrity of the league and its partners during the match against Dynamos.”
In an apparent about-turn, De Jongh has since taken to social media to clarify his comments, insisting they were misunderstood.
“Football must always be about fair play and respect. My post-match comments were never meant to disrespect the PSL, referees or Dynamos,” he wrote.
“I spoke out of passion for the game and fairness values I’ll always stand for. I fully respect the league and match officials.”
The coach’s fiery temperament has been a recurring theme this season. His touchline theatrics, emotional outbursts and clashes with referees have divided fans.
Some see passion in the gaffer who had a one-season stint with Malawian club Silver Strikers, others see chaos.
With Highlanders still not mathematically safe from relegation, De Jongh’s focus now turns to their final three matches against Simba Bhora, Manica Diamonds and the Bulawayo derby clash against Chicken Inn.
Bosso fans will be hoping their coach’s passion fuels a strong finish, not another fine.
Meanwhile, Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi was due to appear before a PSL disciplinary committee late yesterday.
His club were also set for the same hearing.
Chiragwi faces PSL sanctions following his acts of misconduct in the platinum miners’ league match against Dynamos at Rufaro during which he assaulted his own player McDonald Makuwe following a touchline melee on the Ngezi bench.
The match ended 1-1 and Chiragwi has since apologised to Makuwe, his club and ZIFA where he stood down from his post as Warriors assistant coach “to allow for the disciplinary proceedings to take place unhindered’’.
