By Tapiwa Chawagarira
BULAWAYO Chiefs have been fined a total of US$3 000 by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) following incidents of disorderly conduct after their Chibuku Super Cup first-round encounter against Hardrock FC at Chahwanda Stadium on Sunday.
According to a PSL press release issued on Tuesday, the Bulawayo-based club was fined US$2 000, while assistant coach Agent Sawu and team captain Melikhaya Ncube were each fined US$500 for their conduct following the match.
The trio 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 league said the provision covers violent or aggressive acts, damage to equipment and other forms of unbecoming behaviour.
The sanctions come after the first-round Chibuku Super Cup tie between Hardrock and Bulawayo Chiefs at the newly-built Chahwanda Stadium, with the PSL saying the disciplinary action was taken after incidents that occurred in the aftermath of the encounter.
The latest case adds to growing concerns over discipline and crowd-related incidents in Zimbabwean football, particularly at a time when the PSL is seeking to strengthen professionalism and improve the match-day experience.
Chahwanda Stadium itself has previously been at the centre of disciplinary concerns. In May, violence during a league encounter between Hardrock FC and Dynamos resulted in the match being abandoned, with sections of the stadium reportedly damaged during the disorder.
The Kwekwe 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. It hosted its first PSL match in March when Hardrock drew 0-0 with defending champions Scottland FC.
Bulawayo Chiefs, meanwhile, returned to the PSL this season after winning the Southern Region Soccer League title. The club has already had competitive encounters with Hardrock this season, including a 2-0 league defeat at Barbourfields Stadium in May.
The PSL said it remained committed to maintaining discipline, professionalism and respect at all 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 US$3 000 combined punishment serves as another reminder to PSL stakeholders that disciplinary breaches can carry significant financial consequences, regardless of whether they occur during a match or in the moments immediately after the final whistle.
