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Minister Hlongwane

Sports Reporter
Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane yesterday added his voice in denouncing acts of hooliganism that have been witnessed recently at football matches following riots by Dynamos supporters who engaged in running battles with the police.

Hlongwane yesterday said ugly scenes that engulfed Rufaro on Sunday were a bad advertisement to sport and urged ZIFA to take punitive measures to nip the problem in the bud.

The minister wrote a letter to the Sports Commission expressing Government’s concerns at the disturbances while police said they were investigating the incident and looking for those who provoked the violence.

In a statement, the minister said Government does not condone acts that scare aware investment.

Hlongwane also denounced the recent antics by the ZIFA Women Soccer League board member, Cecilia Gambe, who invaded the pitch at Sakubva protesting the referee’s decisions during a league match between Mutare City Rovers and How Mine.

“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 (women’s football) executive committee member who not only invades the pitch but goes on to threaten the referee of the match.

“It is further disturbing that, contrary to the values of sport, Dynamos fans went on a rampage, destroying property and attacking individuals in ugly scenes of violence at Rufaro Stadium after the match.

“Please advise ZIFA that: 1) Government is concerned by this violent behaviour which should not be allowed to continue.

2) That remedial action should be taken to arrest all errant behaviour at, during and after the matches so as to encourage investment in sport in general and football in particular,” said Hlongwane.

Dynamos face heavy sanctions from the Premier Soccer League for the actions of their supporters.

Sports Commission acting director general, Joseph Muchechetere, also condemned the violence.

“The Sports and Recreation Commission has noted with concern the unruly behaviour which is rearing its ugly head at some football matches that were played over the past two weeks,” he said in a statement.

“Of note, has been the match between Mutare City Rovers and How Mine in Mutare on 8 May 2016 in which one Cecilia Gambe an official with the Zimbabwe Women Football Association is alleged to have invaded the pitch while the match was still in progress.

“Furthermore, after the match between Dynamos and FC Platinum played on Sunday 15 May 2016 at Rufaro stadium, Dynamos supporters went on a rampage thus destroying property in the process.

“As the Sports Regulatory body we wish to categorically state that we don’t condone such rowdy behaviour and conduct which is inconsistent with the values of sport, which are Respect, Excellence and Friendship.

“Sport is about building relationships and uniting people from different backgrounds and not creating enmity among the people, it is for this reason that as the SRC we take serious exception at the recent skirmishes which tarnish the image of sport.

“Furthermore, those entrusted with leadership positions within the sporting sector are generally expected to conduct themselves in a dignified and responsible manner befitting their positions. It is embarrassing to say the least that a top football official invaded a pitch while the match was still being played, we don’t expect such unsportsman like conduct from senior officials.

“We have already started engaging ZIFA so that they give a detailed account pertaining to the two unfortunate occurrences so that a lasting solution could be found.

“Going forward, we would like to assure all the sport loving people that we will continue to engage the National Sport Associations and other stakeholders so that our sport is safe and enjoyable to all.”

The PSL office yesterday were still waiting for detailed reports from the police and the match officials but they indicated action will be taken against the Harare giants.

In a statement, the league’s communications and media liaison officer Kudzai Bare said the league was worried with the recent turn of events at Rufaro.

“The Premier Soccer League is deeply concerned about acts of violence and hooliganism that took place at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday following a league encounter between Dynamos and FC Platinum.

“As a League we condemn this appalling behaviour that tarnishes our football. Football is a beautiful game and is supposed to unite, not divide society. The violence that erupted on Sunday should be quickly contained.

“We appeal to football fans to exercise restraint and accept defeat with dignity. You win some and lose some.

“The League will take corrective measures to deal with such conduct to ensure football matches are played in peaceful atmosphere. Stadia should be for families to come and enjoy their afternoons.

“We are closely working with club security officers and law enforcement agents to ensure that violence and hooliganism is completely eradicated from our football,” said Bare.