Chiragwi and Ngezi Platinum Stars In Hot Water After Rufaro Stadium Meltdown

Ngezi Platinum Stars and their head coach, Takesure Chiragwi, have been summoned to appear before the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Disciplinary Committee following an explosive touchline incident during their fiery encounter against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium.

The chaos erupted in the 32nd minute when Ngezi defender Brooklyn Katumba bizarrely turned the ball into his own net from long range, a moment that stunned fans and players alike. Initially, the referee appeared ready to award Dynamos a free kick, but after consulting his assistant, he applied the advantage rule and allowed the goal to stand.

That controversial decision immediately sparked fury on the Ngezi Platinum bench. Substitute Kudzai Chigwida was shown a straight red card for using foul language toward the match officials, while the visibly irate Chiragwi stormed out of his technical area to protest.

In a shocking moment that left spectators speechless, Chiragwi slapped his own substitute, McDonald Makuwe, who had stepped in to calm him down. The incident, broadcast live on television, drew widespread condemnation as the referee promptly sent the coach off for violent conduct.

The match had to be temporarily halted as officials tried to restore order amid mounting tension on the pitch.

After the game, a controversial letter, allegedly signed by Makuwe attempted to downplay the altercation claiming the coach had “inadvertently raised his hand” and made accidental contact. The explanation, however, sparked nationwide outrage, with many fans accusing the club of trying to downplay serious misconduct.

Sources within Ngezi Platinum Stars confirmed the episode has caused internal rifts, with some senior players and officials privately expressing disappointment over the coach’s behavior. The club later issued a brief statement reaffirming its commitment to discipline and professionalism.

The PSL Disciplinary Committee has since called both Chiragwi and Ngezi Platinum Stars FC to appear before it on 28 October 2025 at 17:30hrs, where they will answer to charges of misconduct and breach of league regulations regarding bench discipline and sportsmanship.

League sources suggest that Chiragwi could face a lengthy suspension, a hefty fine, or both, while the club may also be sanctioned for failing to maintain control of its technical team.

The dramatic events at Rufaro have reignited debate about sideline discipline and professionalism within Zimbabwean football, with growing calls for stricter enforcement of conduct standards across the league.

The upcoming hearing is expected to draw significant attention as the PSL moves to uphold the integrity and image of the domestic game.