Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa-Senior Reporter
FIRST LADY Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa yesterday said violence and hooliganism have no space in Zimbabwean sport, urging unity of purpose and peaceful coexistence among supporters, saying sport plays a vital role in uniting people, promoting healthy living, and fostering national pride and social cohesion.
She revealed this after attending the highly anticipated Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash between Scottland FC and CAPS United, where multitudes of football fans also gathered to celebrate the reopening of the National Sports Stadium following its extensive refurbishment.
The First Lady congratulated the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and all those who worked tirelessly to restore the country’s iconic sporting facility, describing it as an important national asset that will continue to nurture talent and provide a platform for national unity.
Dr Mnangagwa said the return of football to the refurbished stadium was a moment of pride for the nation and expressed delight at seeing families, young people, and supporters filling the stands despite the chilly weather.
The Mother of the Nation said Zimbabweans were renowned for their peaceful nature and should continue to uphold those values at all times.
“What I have seen happening now is hooliganism creeping in, and we do not know that culture in Zimbabwe.
“We do not encourage it at all. Remember, sport is in tourism; it also promotes the country’s image. It unites the teams themselves and the fans as well. I am saying to the supporters: do not encourage teams to fight.
“Do not make people have grudges because of sport. We do not want people who come intoxicated by alcohol. There is also the issue of drug and substance abuse. People come intoxicated and say, ‘They will see us today; they will see how powerful we are,’ using their energy and power to fight. We do not want that. We want to encourage good football matches,” she said.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, cheers after Scotland FC scores against CAPS United at National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday.
The First Lady said football should remain a platform for entertainment, friendship, and community development while inspiring young people to pursue their dreams both on and off the field.
In a symbolic gesture underscoring her call for peace, Dr Mnangagwa brought together the owners of Scottland FC and CAPS United after the match, shaking hands with both and encouraging them to remain ambassadors of unity and sportsmanship.
Dr Mnangagwa said the large turnout reflected the passion Zimbabweans have for sport and demonstrated football’s unique ability to bring communities together.
“Sport is a game. Football is a game. It unites people, it brings people together, and it refreshes minds. It’s a place where you can go and have your time, where you feel good.”
The First Lady urged supporters to continue embracing tolerance, respect, and discipline, saying acts of violence and hooliganism undermine the values that sport seeks to promote.
Dr Mnangagwa said club owners and administrators had a critical role to play in fostering a culture of tolerance and respect, adding that football should remain a vehicle for national unity rather than division.
She urged football leaders to work together in eliminating violence and hooliganism from the game, saying Zimbabwe’s sporting arenas should be places where families, children, and supporters can gather in a safe and welcoming environment.
The First Lady said she will continue engaging footballers and their teams on the need to shun violence, stressing that fighting was not a measure of sporting excellence.
She said values such as dignity and Ubuntu should guide conduct both on and off the field, adding that Zimbabwe should be known as a nation of respect and good behaviour.
Dr Mnangagwa said mothers are also a key constituency that loves sport but are sometimes reluctant to attend matches due to crowd violence.
However, she noted that their presence, often accompanied by children, could help motivate players while also inspiring young people to take an interest in sport.
The First Lady said supporters should encourage healthy competition and hard work from both teams, adding that football should enhance the country’s image and contribute to economic growth rather than be overshadowed by hooliganism.
CAPS United president Farai Jere said the First Lady’s message of peace and unity reflected values she has consistently championed over the years.
“You know, like what Amai Mnangagwa always does, she was delivering a message of unity,” he said.
Scotland FC president Scott Sakupwanya (left) and CAPS United president Farai Jere display good sportsmanship following their teams’ match at the National Sports Stadium.
“She was bringing all the fans together and also speaking strongly against violence, saying that we do not want violence at our matches.
“She also took time to bring Honourable Sakupwanya and me together, and she was very clear about what she expects, that football should unite us rather than divide us. It’s just a game of football. Today we enjoyed it, and she also enjoyed it.”
Hon. Sakupwanya echoed the sentiments, expressing gratitude to the First Lady for gracing the occasion and helping to promote unity among football supporters.
“We are very grateful to the First Lady for coming to grace this occasion, especially on the day the National Sports Stadium was reopened,” he said.
“This is the best way it could have happened, to have the First Lady come and grace the occasion.”
Scotland FC president Scott Sakupwanya said he and his “brother, Hon. Jere”, only find themselves on opposite sides for the 90 minutes of a match, stressing that there is no bad blood between them despite supporting different teams.
“When we leave here, we are happy again. We even call each other and discuss what we are going to say to the media,” he said.
He added that his remarks about CAPS United reflected his long-standing connection to the club, saying the phrase “Kepekepe Bhora” comes from songs he grew up singing and remains part of who he is.
“When CAPS United supporters heard me say, ‘Kepekepe Bhora’, it was because those are the songs we used to sing back in the day. It’s in my blood. I am a Kepekepe fan, and I am also a DeMbare fan,” he said.
Dr Mnangagwa’s call comes as stakeholders continue to promote safe, inclusive, and family-friendly sporting environments that encourage greater participation while preserving Zimbabwe’s long-standing reputation as a peaceful nation.
