Bulawayo Chiefs fined US$3 000

BULAWAYO Chiefs have been fined a combined US$3 000 by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) following incidents of disorderly conduct after their Chibuku Super Cup first-round match against Hardrock FC at Chahwanda Stadium on Sunday.

According to a PSL press release issued on Tuesday, Bulawayo Chiefs were fined US$2 000, while assistant coach Agent Sawu and team captain Melikhaya Ncube were each fined US$500 for their conduct after the match.

The three were charged under Order 15 of the PSL Standing Orders, Offences and Fines, which prohibits clubs, officials and players from engaging in conduct before, during or after a match that disrupts the orderly proceedings of the game.

The provision covers violent or aggressive behaviour, damage to equipment and other forms of unbecoming conduct.

The sanctions follow incidents that occurred in the aftermath of the Chibuku Super Cup encounter between Hardrock and Bulawayo Chiefs at the newly built Chahwanda Stadium.

The latest disciplinary case adds to growing concerns over discipline and crowd-related incidents in Zimbabwean football as the PSL continues efforts to promote professionalism and improve the match-day experience.

Chahwanda Stadium has itself previously been at the centre of disciplinary concerns. In May, violence during a league match between Hardrock FC and Dynamos resulted in the game being abandoned, with sections of the stadium reportedly damaged during the disorder.

The Kwekwe-based venue, which has a reported capacity of about 15 000 spectators, was constructed by businessman Shepherd Chahwanda and became Hardrock's home ground following the club's promotion to the top-flight league this season.

The stadium hosted its first PSL match in March when Hardrock played to a goalless draw against defending champions Scottland FC.

Bulawayo Chiefs returned to the PSL this season after winning the Southern Region Soccer League title. They have already faced Hardrock in the league, losing 2-0 at Barbourfields Stadium in May.

The PSL said it remained committed to maintaining discipline, professionalism and respect at its matches, signalling that clubs, players and officials would continue to be held accountable for conduct that undermines the orderly running of the game.

The combined US$3 000 punishment serves as another reminder to PSL stakeholders that disciplinary breaches can carry significant financial consequences, including those committed in the moments immediately after the final whistle.