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Hardrock CEO fingered in violence
4 hrs ago |
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The fallout from the abandoned Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match between Hardrock FC and Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium continues to deepen, with investigations widening and pressure mounting on club officials.
Hardrock FC chairperson Wellington Mpandare has confirmed that the club is now investigating whether its chief executive officer, Kudzanai Hove, was among those involved in the violent scenes that erupted during and after the fixture on Sunday.
This follows a viral social media video that appears to show a man, alleged to be Hove, stomping on the head of a Dynamos supporter during the chaos that led to the abandonment of the match after a 1–1 scoreline.
Mpandare said it was too early to draw conclusions, noting that multiple investigations are now underway.
"It is premature for me to comment at this stage. We are still carrying out investigations. ZIFA as well as the PSL are also carrying out investigations, and the security services are doing their part," he said.
The incident has triggered a broader disciplinary and criminal probe, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) already confirming arrests linked to public violence at the stadium. Authorities say they are still establishing the full number of injured supporters and identifying additional suspects.
The match itself descended into chaos after a disputed equaliser, with supporters invading the pitch and clashes breaking out between rival fan groups. Property damage was also reported, including destruction of stadium turnstiles and barricades.
The Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) have both condemned the violence, warning that such incidents threaten efforts to restore confidence in local football and maintain safe match environments.
As investigations continue, Hardrock FC officials say internal meetings are ongoing to stabilise the situation and assess the conduct of those linked to the club.
The Dynamos Football Club has also condemned the violence, while pledging cooperation with authorities and urging calm as disciplinary processes take their course.
The Chahwanda incident now stands as one of the most serious crowd-related disturbances in recent PSL memory, with implications expected for clubs, officials, and supporters as regulators move to enforce stadium safety rules and accountability measures.
Hardrock FC chairperson Wellington Mpandare has confirmed that the club is now investigating whether its chief executive officer, Kudzanai Hove, was among those involved in the violent scenes that erupted during and after the fixture on Sunday.
This follows a viral social media video that appears to show a man, alleged to be Hove, stomping on the head of a Dynamos supporter during the chaos that led to the abandonment of the match after a 1–1 scoreline.
Mpandare said it was too early to draw conclusions, noting that multiple investigations are now underway.
"It is premature for me to comment at this stage. We are still carrying out investigations. ZIFA as well as the PSL are also carrying out investigations, and the security services are doing their part," he said.
The incident has triggered a broader disciplinary and criminal probe, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) already confirming arrests linked to public violence at the stadium. Authorities say they are still establishing the full number of injured supporters and identifying additional suspects.
The match itself descended into chaos after a disputed equaliser, with supporters invading the pitch and clashes breaking out between rival fan groups. Property damage was also reported, including destruction of stadium turnstiles and barricades.
The Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) have both condemned the violence, warning that such incidents threaten efforts to restore confidence in local football and maintain safe match environments.
As investigations continue, Hardrock FC officials say internal meetings are ongoing to stabilise the situation and assess the conduct of those linked to the club.
The Dynamos Football Club has also condemned the violence, while pledging cooperation with authorities and urging calm as disciplinary processes take their course.
The Chahwanda incident now stands as one of the most serious crowd-related disturbances in recent PSL memory, with implications expected for clubs, officials, and supporters as regulators move to enforce stadium safety rules and accountability measures.
Source - BMetro
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