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Heavy penalty awaits Shabanie, Gwanda
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The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has pledged to take stringent measures following violent scenes that marred the Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) clash between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates at Maglas Stadium on Sunday.
The match was abandoned in the 68th minute after chaos erupted involving fans, resulting in alleged stabbings, stone-throwing, and a three-hour stadium lockdown.
In an official statement, ZIFA condemned the violence and announced a full independent investigation into the incident. "ZIFA take this matter with the utmost seriousness and has already instituted a full and independent investigation to determine the circumstances leading to this attack," the statement read.
ZIFA said it will work closely with CRSL leadership, law enforcement, club officials, and community stakeholders to restore trust and ensure accountability. "Disciplinary measures will be taken against any individuals or entities found to have contributed to or failed to prevent this regrettable incident. Violence has absolutely no place in our game," the statement emphasized.
Clarifying some social media reports, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed there were no gunshots during the fracas. "We can confirm that there was an act of violence during a soccer match between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates at Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane," he said. "Two victims, Simbarashe Zifungo (36) and Victor Pachawo (39), were injured following clashes triggered by a foul during the match. Both had their vehicles damaged."
Gwanda Pirates officials blamed Shabanie Mine for the mayhem. "We were ambushed like animals," said a Gwanda Pirates spokesperson. "Even our families seated in VIP were not spared. Stones, bottles - it was war!"
Eyewitnesses reported that the trouble started after the referee reversed a penalty decision, provoking fans into violent behavior. "What began as insults quickly escalated into flying missiles and ugly scenes in the stands," an observer noted.
Gwanda also accused Shabanie Mine of failing to provide adequate security. "Our media team was beaten up, their vehicle damaged, and expensive equipment destroyed," the club added. However, Gwanda denied responsibility for the two Shabanie fans who were stabbed.
Attempts to get a response from Shabanie Mine were unsuccessful.
The CRSL condemned the violence, expressing deep regret over the injuries sustained. "It is sad to note that two persons were injured during the disturbances. CRSL is appalled and will take decisive action against those responsible. Such behaviour has no place in football and will not be tolerated," the league said in a statement.
The CRSL also pledged to strengthen safety and security measures for players, officials, and fans and promised to update the public on the investigation's outcome.
Reports indicate that the violence extended to attacks on the Gwanda Pirates team bus and media van, further highlighting the extent of the chaos.
The disturbing events at Maglas Stadium have raised concerns over football hooliganism in Zimbabwe's lower leagues, with fans and officials calling for urgent reforms to ensure safety and order in sporting events.
The match was abandoned in the 68th minute after chaos erupted involving fans, resulting in alleged stabbings, stone-throwing, and a three-hour stadium lockdown.
In an official statement, ZIFA condemned the violence and announced a full independent investigation into the incident. "ZIFA take this matter with the utmost seriousness and has already instituted a full and independent investigation to determine the circumstances leading to this attack," the statement read.
ZIFA said it will work closely with CRSL leadership, law enforcement, club officials, and community stakeholders to restore trust and ensure accountability. "Disciplinary measures will be taken against any individuals or entities found to have contributed to or failed to prevent this regrettable incident. Violence has absolutely no place in our game," the statement emphasized.
Clarifying some social media reports, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed there were no gunshots during the fracas. "We can confirm that there was an act of violence during a soccer match between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates at Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane," he said. "Two victims, Simbarashe Zifungo (36) and Victor Pachawo (39), were injured following clashes triggered by a foul during the match. Both had their vehicles damaged."
Gwanda Pirates officials blamed Shabanie Mine for the mayhem. "We were ambushed like animals," said a Gwanda Pirates spokesperson. "Even our families seated in VIP were not spared. Stones, bottles - it was war!"
Gwanda also accused Shabanie Mine of failing to provide adequate security. "Our media team was beaten up, their vehicle damaged, and expensive equipment destroyed," the club added. However, Gwanda denied responsibility for the two Shabanie fans who were stabbed.
Attempts to get a response from Shabanie Mine were unsuccessful.
The CRSL condemned the violence, expressing deep regret over the injuries sustained. "It is sad to note that two persons were injured during the disturbances. CRSL is appalled and will take decisive action against those responsible. Such behaviour has no place in football and will not be tolerated," the league said in a statement.
The CRSL also pledged to strengthen safety and security measures for players, officials, and fans and promised to update the public on the investigation's outcome.
Reports indicate that the violence extended to attacks on the Gwanda Pirates team bus and media van, further highlighting the extent of the chaos.
The disturbing events at Maglas Stadium have raised concerns over football hooliganism in Zimbabwe's lower leagues, with fans and officials calling for urgent reforms to ensure safety and order in sporting events.
Source - zimpapers
