Tshinga Dube blasts hooliganism

Highlanders benefactor Tshinga Dube has strongly condemned violence in modern sports and society, particularly in light of the recent disturbances that led to the abandonment of the highly anticipated Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match between Dynamos and Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium.

The violent incidents spilled over into the Barbourfields and Mzilikazi suburbs of Bulawayo after the match was called off, prompting the police to employ tear smoke to disperse unruly fans.

Dube emphasized, "In this day and age, we do not expect that kind of behavior. We should be more humane and remain united through sport, which is an integral part of our daily lives."

He called upon supporters of Dynamos and Highlanders to demonstrate tolerance and respect toward each other. Dube expressed concern about songs with tribal connotations that often fuel animosity among fans and suggested that they should be banned in stadiums.

Dube also urged match officials to be aware of the emotionally charged nature of football, as their decisions can influence the atmosphere in the stands. He stated, "Stop the negative chants. Both teams' supporters can sing numerous songs without insulting or demeaning others. Dynamos and Highlanders are essential to our nation; they represent our unity, and therefore, match officials must understand that their decisions must be accurate. Good officiating keeps fans content and benefits the growth of the sport."

As a veteran of the liberation war with longstanding ties to Highlanders dating back to the 1950s, Dube believes that the executives of both teams should convene and address the recurring crowd trouble during their matches. He proposed that a joint statement from the clubs' leadership could help curb the violence that has become associated with their fixtures.

Dube stated, "The Highlanders and Dynamos executives need to meet and discuss this issue, extending a handshake to each other. They must lead by example. This calls for a sensible approach so that people show love and respect to one another at matches. Both teams should apologize to the sponsors. After all, it's just a game."

Dube appealed to referees to remain impartial, interpret and apply the rules fairly, so that no team feels aggrieved by their decisions, as such grievances can be a catalyst for violence in stadiums.

He urged patience, allowing football authorities to address the issues before forming hasty judgments. Dube added, "Some parties have already faced trial by public opinion before appearing before the PSL disciplinary committee. The laws of physics suggest that if something can go wrong, it will go wrong anyway. Perhaps that's what happened; people came to watch their favorite teams and enjoy sports, and then suddenly, there was violence. The causes of Sunday's incident must be thoroughly investigated, and corrective actions must be taken. This issue goes beyond the control of the two teams; individuals attend matches."

Despite the financial challenges faced by the clubs, Dube lamented the potential fines imposed by the PSL. Both Dynamos and Highlanders have been summoned to appear before the PSL disciplinary committee on September 26, with each team likely facing a minimum fine of US$1,250 for pitch invasion by their fans.

In closing, Dube acknowledged the principal sponsor of both teams, Sakunda Holdings, for their support in keeping the league exciting despite the on-field challenges.