ZIFA to install an Exclusive Focus Group
The Zimbabwe football Association (ZIFA) says they are mooting plans to set up an Exclusive Focus Group (EFG) as part of the association’s deliberate efforts to curb hooliganism and violence at stadiums.
The development follows the crowd trouble that led to the abandonment of the high-profile Battle of Zimbabwe (Dynamos vs Highlanders) at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
In a statement, the country’s football governing body has implored all stakeholders of the game to act responsibly and paint a good picture of our game.
“We encourage all concerned stakeholders to act responsibly in order to preserve the values of fair play and camaraderie in our game. Supporters, players and officials should act in ways that promote the development of Zimbabwean football. Going forward, the association is lobbying for an Exclusive Focus Group (EFG) to crackdown on offensive songs and tribal or racial chants which include offensive gestures and displaying of offensive messaging which cause feelings of discomfort and discrimination of rival supporters,” read part of the statement.
At the time of the abandonment of the match between Dynamos and Highlanders in Emagumeni in the 37th minute, the visitors (Bosso) were trailing by 2-0 with Keith Madera and Frank Makarati on target for the Glamour Boys.
The resultant crowd trouble, however, was a bad advert for Zimbabwean football and it is worrying that if such barbaric acts of pitch invasion and violence continue to take a toll on the game, it might just drive sponsors away leaving the game in doldrums.
