Violence has no place in football: Highlanders

Hanganani Nleya

Highlanders Executive Chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe has denounced hooliganism, following ugly scenes that characterized the Castle Challenge cup match between Bosso and eventual winners FC Platinum.

A section of the Bosso fans went on the rampage just before the final whistle as they could not swallow the pain of losing at home after a Silas Songani brace had put the defending champions on the path to victory. FC Platinum won the match 2-0 to seal a hattrick of wins in both the league hampionship and the Castle Challenge Cup.

In a statement released on Monday morning in response to the incident, Mhlophe expressed revulsion.

“Highlanders Football Club would like to express its absolute disgust about the pitch invasion and missile throwing incidents that transpired on Saturday the 14th of March, during the Castle Challenge Cup match played against FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium.

“The ugly incidents that marred a potentially good sporting event reflect badly on our football, Highlanders FC as a brand and various stakeholders involved in this beautiful game. We would like to urge all football loving fans to refrain from such acts of hooliganism that stunt the growth of the sport as they scare away potential sponsors and partners.

“As Highlanders F.C, we want to take this opportunity to apologise to all stakeholders who were affected by the incidents, and give an assurance that as a club, we are working tirelessly to decontaminate our football of this vice. With the assistance of key actors in the game, we will look into how we can better our security and crowd control skills for future football events,” read the statement.