Makhosini Hlongwane
Senior Sports Reporter
SPORT and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane has challenged Zifa to take appropriate measures to deal with hooliganism that continues to dog local football following last Sunday’s riotous behaviour by some Dynamos fans.
Dynamos fans could not stomach their team’s 0-1 defeat by FC Platinum at Rufaro Stadium in Harare and went on a post-match rampage that saw ugly running battles with the police and the club’s marshals.
A number of cars, including Dynamos’ secretary-general Webster Chikengezha’s vehicle, were damaged during the clashes.
The Dynamos fans also threw missiles onto the pitch, disturbing the flow of the game.
Hlongwane said Zifa should nip the hooliganism in the bud.
He said Sunday’s incident and another one that occurred in Mutare a fortnight ago where Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer official Cecilia Gambe invaded the pitch during the Mutare City Rovers and How Mine game gave a bad image of the domestic game.
Gambe allegedly threatened the referee, accusing him of giving the home side a raw deal.
“Government is deeply concerned by two very sad events that are not good for sport in general and football in particular. Please note that it is most disturbing that the image of Zimbabwe football should take a battering due to the behaviour of a senior Zifa executive member, who, not only invades the pitch, but goes on to threaten the referee of the match,” reads part of Hlongwane’s letter addressed to acting Sports and Recreation Commission chairperson Edward Siwela on Monday.
He said violent behaviour in sport should not be allowed to continue.
“Remedial action should be taken to arrest all errant behaviour at, during and after the matches so as to encourage investment in sport and football in particular,” Hlongwane said.
The PSL is expected to fine Mutare City Rovers and Dynamos for the two incidents.
DeMbare have since written to the PSL advising the league of their intentions to move away from Rufaro Stadium to the National Sports Stadium in a development meant to deal with crowd trouble.
Dynamos will play Highlanders in their next home game in Week Eight at the National Sports Stadium.