Dynamos, Highlanders rebuke PSL Chairman's 'violent' label amid fixture controversy

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA 

HARARE – In a joint statement, Zimbabwe's football giants, Dynamos Football Club and Highlanders Football Club, have vehemently refuted Premier Soccer League (PSL) Chairman Farai Jere's characterization of them as "violent" clubs. The clubs described Jere's comments as "inflammatory," "reckless," and "deeply concerning."

Image: Zimpapers

The clubs' rebuke follows Jere's remarks last week, suggesting that the PSL intentionally scheduled the 2024 season opener between Highlanders and Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo to mitigate tensions. 

According to Jere, having the fixture later in the season exacerbates tensions, particularly when both clubs vie for the league title.

Watch Jere's comments below:

However, Dynamos and Highlanders have denounced these allegations, arguing that they tarnish the clubs' reputation and integrity and undermine the spirit of fair play in Zimbabwean football. 

The clubs stated in their joint statement, "Dynamos FC and Highlanders FC jointly condemn the inflammatory remarks made by Premier League Chairman, Mr Farai Jere, regarding our clubs. His characterization of Highlanders and Dynamos as violent teams is not only reckless but also deeply concerning. 

"Such allegations have the potential to damage the reputation and integrity of our esteemed clubs, as well as undermine the spirit of fair play in Zimbabwean football."

The clubs further expressed their disappointment with Jere's assertion that their match day one fixture was deliberately 'fixed', a decision they believe contravenes the principles of fairness and equality foundational to competitive sports. 

They urged the league authorities to reconsider this position and ensure that all fixtures are arranged transparently and impartially, in line with the spirit of fair play.

The statement concluded with the clubs reaffirming their commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, sportsmanship, and respect in Zimbabwean football. 

They also called upon all stakeholders to join them in "condemning these accusations and promoting a culture of fairness, transparency, and mutual respect within the sport."

The fixture between Dynamos and Highlanders, also known as the Battle of Zimbabwe, is one of the most fiercely contested in Zimbabwean football. 

However, it has been persistently marred by crowd troubles, especially when hosted in the City of Kings and Queens. 

In the last two seasons, the match led to fines, suspensions and forfeitures for both clubs after PSL disciplinary hearings.