By Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
THE Premier Soccer league has suspended all league matches until further notice.
Football is a beautiful game as coined by one of the greatest players, Brazilian legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento popularly known as Pele.
However, in Zimbabwe all the beauty is gone, as hooliganism has taken over.
The irony is that all the matches have a link with the traditional giants of Zimbabwean football, Highlanders and Dynamos who are supposed to lead by example.
While abandoned matches are yet to be dealt with at PSL level, Club marshals have also been found wanting and have been called out for inciting violence.
Somehow the decision made by the PSL is as shocking as it is devoid of the plight of the other 16 innocent clubs.
“We are currently engaging all key stakeholders to find lasting solutions to these challenges. We have scheduled a meeting with Security Officials including the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Club Security Officers and Marshals as well as stadium owners on Friday 20 May 2022.
“Meanwhile, we have requested Highlanders FC, Dynamos FC and the ZRP to furnish us with reports detailing the events that transpired at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday 15 May 2022. We will take disciplinary action after receiving the said reports. We hope to address these challenges before resuming football matches,” said Kudzai Bare, PSL spokesperson.
The Zimbabwe Football Association has also added its voice on what might vindicate FIFA for suspending Zimbabwe from international football as the local game is in a mess.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) condemns acts of hooliganism that disrupted the flow of, and led to the abandonment of the Premier Soccer League match between Highlanders and Dynamos,” said Xolisani Gwesela, ZIFA spokesperson.
“We urge all football stakeholders to always perform their roles to the best of their abilities to ensure that football matches are completely rid of such disruptions.
“The Association will engage all stakeholders and ensure deterrent punitive measures for all individuals and groups found to be causing the actions that scar the reputation of Zimbabwean football.”
Indications are that the Premier Soccer league sponsors Castle Lager have also called upon the PSL to act threatening to pull out.
The big question though is whether the decision to suspend the league is in the best interest of the local game, the fans and the rest of the teams.
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