The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has condemned the violent scenes that disrupted the Central Region Division One match between Shabanie Mine FC and Gwanda Pirates on Sunday, 18 May. The match was abandoned after a shocking attack left two fans seriously injured.
In a statement released after the incident, ZIFA called the events “deeply troubling and completely unacceptable”, saying it showed a failure by all involved to ensure a safe and secure environment at the game. The statement reads:
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) expresses its deepest regret and condemnation of the violent attack that occurred during the ZIFA Central Region Division One match between Shabanie Mine FC and Gwanda Pirates, resulting in the abandonment of the game and serious injuries to two individuals.
We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time, and we wish them all a full and speedy recovery.
Football must be a unifying force – never a source of harm, fear, or division. What transpired is deeply troubling and completely unacceptable.
It represents a failure in our collective duty to provide a safe environment for players, officials, and fans.
ZIFA says it’s treating the matter with the utmost seriousness and has already launched a full, independent investigation to get to the bottom of what led to the violent scenes.
Alongside the probe, the football body says it’s moving quickly to beef up security across all sanctioned matches.
This includes a complete review and overhaul of match-day protocols—how stewards and security staff are deployed, trained, and coordinated is all under the microscope.
Tighter access control is also on the cards, with plans to introduce more rigorous screening at stadium entrances to stop weapons or any other dangerous items from making their way in.
And at venues considered high-risk, ZIFA says it will step up crowd control, including separating rival supporters to prevent further flare-ups. Reads the statement:
ZIFA will be working in close coordination with the ZIFA Central Region leadership, law enforcement, club management, and community stakeholders to restore trust and ensure accountability.
Disciplinary measures will be taken against any individuals found to be involved in this incident, with appropriate sanctions being meted out. Violence has absolutely no place in our game.
ZIFA remains committed to protecting the integrity of football in Zimbabwe and ensuring that it is a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for all.
What time of the day or night was the accident?