Social match between Harare and Byo fans on cards ...

Social match between Harare and Byo fans on cards to preach peace

Zim Now Writer

In response to the violence that marred abandoned match between Highlanders FC and Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium recently, the Zimbabwe Soccer Supporters Club are mooting a social match between Harare and Bulawayo football fans aimed at preaching peace.

The date, venue and logistics of the match will be provided in due course.

The grouping, commonly referred to as Friends of the Warriors, has also voiced its concern over the escalating incidences of violence at matches pitting the country’s two flagship teams.

Zimbabwe Soccer Supporters Club qualifies itself as the bona-fide leaders of football supporters in Zimbabwe that has accompanied the Warriors to most of their foreign assignments.

“Fifa calls supporters owners of the game because they are important stoke holders as they contribute immensely to the development of football. Without supporters, football ceases to exist because they are the ones who pay, through gate fees, funds which fund all activities.

“Besides the money, supporters add to the cheer which make the game exciting. In fact the drama, which is characterised by smiles, tears and emotion is created by the fans. Because of that important role and its unique nature, FIFA rightfully christened it the world’s most beautiful game,” says Zivanai Muwashu, the president of the association.

He adds that while football unites people, it looks like Zimbabwe, through its two biggest teams which are expected to play an ambassadorial role, is bringing the game of football into disrepute.

“Incidences of violence which occurred at Barbourfields between Highlanders and Dynamos supporters must be condemned by all football-loving Zimbabweans as they have the effect of scaring away potential sponsors.

“We want to thank the police for handling the situation in a professional manner which averted a potential disaster. The outnumbered police details could have been tempted to throw tear gas at the marauding hooligans who were menacingly charging at them but they chose diplomacy, probably drawing lessons from the National Sports Stadium disaster during the infamous match between Warriors and Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

“We also applaud the police for arresting suspected perpetrators of the Violence which led to the premature abandonment of the game as this will serve as a deterrent to future instigators of Violence.”

“The supporters are also lobbying the PSL to direct all teams to wear a white Armand for peace and perform a bow before all games as a signal against violence. This ritual must be performed during the next three PSL games.”

“Meanwhile, we are lining up workshops to educate our fellow supporters on the dangers of instigating violence.

“It must however be noted that we are not pointing a finger at anyone between Dynamos and Highlanders supporters as we allow investigations to ascertain who was liable *for the violence at Barbour fields,” says Muwashu.