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Tadious Manyepo in Kadoma
AFTER a series of violent incidents which rocked the top-flight this season, the Premier Soccer League has moved in to curb disturbances at match venues. The PSL yesterday held a consultative conference with some clubs in Kadoma where Zimbabwe’s FIFA head of security Brighton Mudzamiri also addressed congregants on crowd trouble, control and stewarding.

“Clubs should have well trained stewards who should see to it that order is maintained all the time. Stewards are supposed to behave in a respectable manner and display professionalism all the time. Their focus should be on the crowd and not the game. If every club adheres to this, I think we can move towards the right direction. The stewards are supposed to work closely with the police details on the ground and that way, I am sure, we will achieve our goal of having a violence-free environment,” he said.

PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele said the number of violent cases at match venues was concerning them.

“We should always try to find ways of curbing violence during matches. We have called upon various stakeholders, including the police, supporters and club representatives to try and map a way forward. It is my fervent hope that the conference has produced what we wanted. I believe by holding this indaba, we will have a better environment during matches going forward, “ he said.

Dynamos secretary-general Webster Marechera, whose team has been summoned by the PSL Disciplinary Committee after their supporters invaded the pitch in their 0-2 defeat away to Ngezi last week, said the indaba will go a long way in addressing the challenges.

“I would like to appreciate the efforts being made by both the PSL and stakeholders. I am confident this will go a long way in combating violence. Our game needs to retain its integrity and it is only by having consultations and symposiums like this that we can be able to maintain peace at football venues,” he said.