PSL promises to deal harshly with match-fixing allegations
By Tichaona Sibanda
20 December 2006

The Premier Soccer League will not hesitate to deal harshly with any club or individual involved in match-fixing or bribery allegations, the PSL vice chairman Willard Manyengavana said on Wednesday.

The country’s football fraternity was thrown into turmoil on Monday following serious allegations that several Dynamos players were allegedly bribed to perform well below par against bitter city rivals Shootings Stars.

Commenting on the allegations, Manyengavana said; ‘We have only read about this in the papers. We have not received any complaint from anyone. But we are still waiting for the assessor and the match referee’s reports before we can do anything.’

But the PSL vice chairman warned they would not hesitate to deal firmly with clubs or players who tarnish the image of the sport. He said if anyone is caught up in the allegations the PSL will simply apply rules and regulations of football without looking at individuals or clubs.

The high profile end-of-season clash pitting two teams whose supporters, officials and players have become sworn enemies to the core, saw relegation-threatened Shooting Stars down Dynamos 3-0 to ensure their survival in the top flight league.

Incensed with the 3-nil score-line and with 25 minutes before the final whistle, Dynamos fans went on a rampage forcing the tie to be abandoned. Soon after Dynamos coach David Mandigora allegedly blamed the defeat on match-fixing, an allegation that sent shock waves in the country. Mandigora believed some of his players might have been paid to perform poorly.

But according to NewZimbabwe.Com, the match-fixing investigations have now turned into a circus. The Website reported Wednesday that police, acting at the behest of Dynamos security officer Brian Kashangura, arrested Shooting Stars player Muchineripi Muneri.

Police spokesman Oliver Mandipaka is reported to have told the state radio that charges against Muneri followed a complaint filed by Kashangura alleging that the midfielder paid $200 000 in cash to Dynamos striker Heavens Chinyama, who incidentally is joining CAPS United next season.