Three Byo teams, coach penalised
THREE Bulawayo-based Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clubs have been slapped with fines for offences ranging from unruly behaviour by their fans to misconduct by coaches during matches played in May.
Local giants Highlanders, already wallowing in a huge debt running into hundreds of thousands of dollars, will be $2 000 poorer after their supporters threw missiles in a drawn match with Harare City FC at Barbourfields Stadium on 22 May.
Bosso were saved from defeat by police officer Kasimero Chimbadzwa’s 78th minute goal after the Bulawayo giants had trailed the visitors as early as the 20th minute.
Tsholotsho FC who are also struggling financially amid reports that players boycotted a training session in protest over unpaid salaries last month were also slapped with a $2 000 fine after their fans hurled missiles onto the pitch during and at the end of their match against Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium on 21 May. Iziqholo fans were not amused by a decision by the match referee to award the Harare giants a sixth minute penalty that was converted by Ocean Mushure to give the visitors three points.
Caps United will fork out $2 000 after their fans invaded the pitch at Luveve Stadium in celebration of the team’s 2-1 victory over reigning champions Chicken Inn on 25 May.
All three teams were charged and found guilty of violating the PSL standing order number nine which makes it an offence for a club to fail to exercise control over its fans before, during and after a match leading to chaos or violence including, but not limited to missile throwing and pitch invasion. The Disciplinary Committee imposes a fine of not less than $2 000 in the event that a club is found guilty.
Bulawayo City FC coach Philani Ncube courted the wrath of the Premier Soccer League after he was found guilty of using abusive language towards match officials during his side’s game against Triangle United FC at Gibbo Stadium on 22 May.
The teams played a 1-1 stalemate. Ncube was charged and found guilty of contravening PSL standing order number 11 which makes it an offence for a club official to use offensive language and unsportsmanship conduct during and after the match. He was slapped with a $250 fine.