Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
The MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League have declared a zero-tolerance crackdown on hooliganism ahead of the second half of the season, following a spike in violence and a 53.1 percent jump in red cards.
The measures kick in as the Super Eight Cup opens across the country on August 1.
Addressing an Extraordinary General Meeting in Harare, NRSL chairman Sweeney Mushonga said player and official safety is now the top priority after several incidents disrupted the first 21 rounds of league matches.
Mushonga now wants to see a change starting with the Super8, which is a knockout competition contested by teams that finished in the top eight when the NRSL marathon reached the halfway mark.
“We will not tolerate any form of misconduct,” Mushonga said.
“We urge all teams, club officials, and supporters to desist from all forms of violence, pitch invasions, abuse of referees, and hooliganism.
“These have no place in our league.”
The NRSL report cited some of the notable incidents, including on Matchday 8, when Bindura outfit Batanai’s technical staff allegedly mobilised supporters against match officials.
On Match-day 11, MWOS U-19 officials and supporters threw stones and stormed the officials’ dressing rooms, while in a Match-day 13 incident, Rangers supporters invaded the pitch.
Two cases, including Chingwere against MWOS U-19, are still before Chenaimwoyo Gumiro’s NRSL disciplinary committee.
In line with the zero-tolerance policy, Mushonga warned that tougher sanctions are coming in the second half of the season and beyond.
He wants the championship title to be decided on the pitch and not via boardroom decisions.
Resultantly, the league will introduce: “Automatic suspensions and fines for offending players and coaches.
“Mandatory minimum-security standards at venues, stricter accountability for club executives, and stronger enforcement of the code of conduct’’.
Mushonga added that the Disciplinary Committee has been instructed to act decisively against any club found guilty.
Compliance has, however, improved on ambulance requirements after fines, with only one club flagged for being still non-compliant.
Attention now shifts to the start of the Super 8 Cup, with the final set for November 15.
Super 8 fixtures:
Black Rhinos v Chingwere
Harare City v Cranborne Bullets
G&T Mining v CP Chemicals
Ngezi Stars U-19 v Golden Eagles
