The Sunday Mail
AFTER a forgettable period during which fans had turned their backs on the country’s biggest sport, there has largely been an improved atmosphere at the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches this season.
Although some games are yet to reach their full potential, with strikers being mostly goal-shy, the domestic top-flight has indeed announced its return with the derby showdown between CAPS United and Dynamos, one of the major highlights of the season so far.
The Sunday Mail Sports Editor PETROS KAUSIYO (PK) reviews the first 10 rounds of matches with PSL chief executive KENNY NDEBELE (KN) amid concerns of some lawlessness threatening to spoil the elite league’s rejuvenation.
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PK: Following the conclusion of the first 10 rounds of the 2023 Premier Soccer League matches, what is your overview of how the season has been so far?
KN: The season has been very exciting and the competition stiff and exciting. There are no clear championship favourites. Fans have been attending matches in large numbers compared to the previous season. Our highest attendance has been over 18 000 fans (CAPS United v Dynamos), compared to a paltry 5 710 fans who paid to watch the derby last season.
Our challenge, though, has been the lack of stadiums, especially in Harare, where we are having an average of four matches per week. There have been some complaints about officiating at some matches.
PK: To what do you attribute the improved attendance at matches?
KN: We held a workshop with all 18 clubs at the beginning of the season, where we discussed ways of marketing the game, fan engagement, among other matters, and I am happy to say our strategies are working. We have been receiving improved attendance figures for all our matches and we will work to ensure this continues.
We also sat as the league, as well as our sponsors, Delta Beverages, to find ways in which we can get fans back to the stadiums and, as evidenced by the figures we are getting, everyone is playing their part.
We listened to the fans’ concerns and reduced the gate charges to a minimum of $2 for the rest of the ground and reintroduced $1 tickets for students. Teams have been playing exciting football. We have different marketing initiatives in place and we have also been conducting road shows for some of our matches. The responses have been great.
PK: There are a number of worrying incidents that are threatening to reverse those gains. They include acts of hooliganism and such misconduct like juju rituals and unorthodox time-wasting. What are you, as PSL, doing about this?
KN: We have fined clubs, according to the rules and regulations. Some of the clubs have been brought for disciplinary hearing. We are, however, engaging key stakeholders, especially the clubs and the ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) to ensure that we do not continue having these incidents. We also keep urging clubs to consistently educate fans, players and officials on the PSL rules and regulations.
We will hold a workshop with the clubs’ secretariat staff during the mid-season break to improve on match organisation.
The acts of misconduct are worrisome. Clubs have been encouraged to observe principles of fair play.
PK: The Sheasham stadium saga has also come to rock the PSL. Could you shed some light on that, especially with regard to the fixturing of games?
KN: In terms of the PSL rules and regulations, it is the responsibility of the PSL secretariat to fixture matches, and clubs are obliged to honour these matches. Article 18 of the said rules and regulations is clear on fixturing of PSL matches.
PK: You did mention that the lack of adequate venues has presented the league with headaches. What measures have you put in place to deal with that?
KN: The shortage of approved stadiums, especially in Harare, is creating a lot of challenges. The National Sports Stadium is currently hosting an average of four matches per week. This is affecting not only the playing surface but also other facilities.
We hope that Rufaro, Nyamhunga and Wadzanayi stadiums will be ready after the mid-season break.
PK: How would you describe your working relationship with the ZIFA secretariat amid all the challenges?
KN: We have a good working relationship. The ZIFA secretariat has assisted us in player registration, coaches training and in other critical areas of the game. Without the ZIFA secretariat, there would be no game of football.
PK: There seems to be some mix-up on penalties related to standing rules and those that are dealt with by your disciplinary committee. Can you elaborate on that?
KN: Standing order fines are prescribed fines for offences that do not require disciplinary hearings like spot fines. The disciplinary committee oversees more serious offences that require heavier penalties.
The disciplinary committee overseas serious acts of misconduct (and repeat offenders). The committee follows a process that requires evidence and gives the offenders an opportunity to be heard. Offenders can appeal to the ZIFA Appeals Committee should they so wish.
PK: How have you dealt with concerns over the slow processing of some disciplinary matters?
KN: We do not normally interfere with the work of the independent disciplinary committee. The disciplinary committee is made up of part-time “volunteers”, most of whom are senior legal practitioners. The process may seem slow, as some cases are postponed. Overall, the committee has served the PSL diligently.
PK: As CEO, your secretariat and you often come under attack when a club has been penalised. How have you handled that and also ensure there is no lawlessness on the part of the clubs or the governors?
KN: We have had complaints from clubs but it is our duty to uphold the rules and regulations of our football. Football is an emotional sport. People tend to complain when certain decisions are made. The beauty about football administration and management is to apply the statutes, rules and regulations. If all stakeholders follow the rules and regulations, football would be enjoyable.
PK: What is the update on the envisaged sale of alcohol at matches, as part of a grand plan to try and lure more fans?
KN: We have heeded the call to have fans enjoy alcohol during PSL matches and we want this to be done in a controlled manner. We have communicated to clubs to fulfil the required conditions of obtaining liquor licences and permission from stadium authorities. Once this is done, fans will be purchasing alcohol at the stadium and enjoying football.
PK: What are the prospects for the PSL as we look ahead to the second half of the season?
KN: The second half of the season has more pressure and stiffer competition from the clubs as they fight for the championship and to survive relegation. It is always interesting to see how that will play out. We also have the Chibuku Super Cup coming up in a few months. There is so much in store and we encourage football fans to continue to come to matches in their numbers.
■ Twitter: @petrospablo1
