Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
THE fallout from the abandoned HardRock and Dynamos clash at Chahwanda continues to grow, with football authorities and supporters now warning that scenes witnessed on Sunday threaten to undo progress made in rebuilding confidence in the local game.
What should have been remembered for packed terraces and one of the season’s biggest occasions instead ended with disorder, crowd trouble and an unfinished match.
Now attention is shifting from what happened on the pitch to a broader question around safety inside Zimbabwean football stadiums.
ZIFA yesterday strongly condemned the violence and backed the Premier Soccer League’s decision to wait for full reports before determining the next course of action.
“ZIFA strongly condemns all forms of violence, intimidation and disorder at football matches.
“Football must remain a safe, family-friendly and unifying space for players, officials, supporters, partners and all stakeholders who continue to invest their time, resources and passion into the growth of the game,” the association said in a statement.
ZIFA said disciplinary processes should be allowed to take their course and stressed that football cannot afford to normalise such behaviour.
“The Association supports the Premier Soccer League’s decision to await the full reports from the match officials and the clubs involved before the matter is determined in line with the applicable rules and regulations.
“It is important that due process is followed and that those found responsible for any acts of misconduct face the appropriate sanctions.
“ZIFA wishes to make it clear that there is no place for violence in Zimbabwean football.”
The association also warned that efforts to rebuild public trust in local football remain fragile and require protection from all stakeholders.
“The progress being made to rebuild confidence in the national game must be protected by all who love football.
“Supporters are encouraged to back their teams with passion, pride and discipline, while clubs are reminded of their responsibility to help promote order, safety and respect at match venues.”
The Zimbabwe Soccer Supporters Association (ZSSA), whose members cut across different clubs around the country, also joined calls for calm and accountability.
ZSSA president, Todd Dzvanga Juru, said football should unite people rather than place them in danger.
“As an association, we are really concerned about what happened at Chahwanda and that is not tolerated at all. “As supporters, we need peace and enjoy football at any stadium and place.“We do not support what happened at Chahwanda as it may lead to loss of lives whereas football should be a unifier where friendship can be made and stars unveiled.
“We will continue holding roadshows to condemn violence and hooliganism.”
General-secretary Rinos Rambi said supporters must understand the wider damage caused by crowd trouble.
“We urge all supporters to refrain from hooliganism and promotion of violence and support sportsmanship. Football is a game that brings people together and violence and disorder damages the image of the sport.We encourage supporters to respect fellow fans, players, match officials and administrators for their efforts.”
Committee member, William Mahoko, said stadiums should remain places where families feel safe.
“Football is attended by people from different walks of life including juveniles and violence must not be tolerated at all costs,” he said.
“Fans are coming in their numbers at stadiums and that should be respected. We also call on the Premier Soccer League to improve the ticketing system so supporters get value for their money and strengthen security arrangements during big matches.”
Bongani Ndlovu