The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League has banned a football manager after he sprinkled an unidentified liquid and substance on the rival team’s goal line at half-time.
Richard Chihoro, the coach of Dynamos F.C., was suspended for misconduct by PSL officials over his voodoo-like ritual during his team’s one-nil victory over rivals Hwange Colliery F.C.
Chihoro, 67, raised eyebrows when he ran over to the opponent’s goal at Barbourfields Stadium in the city of Bulawayo on Saturday, 18th March.
Footage shows him sprinkling an unidentified water-like liquid from a bottle along the goal line.
Then, he throws the bottle away, pulls another unidentified substance from his pocket, and scatters it along the goal line in the same fashion.
Media in Zimbabwe suggested he performed the bizarre ritual to “unlock the nets”.
His act angered PSL officials, who later summoned him to appear before a disciplinary committee.
They suspended him from sitting in the technical area pending a probe.
PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare said: “The Premier Soccer League has summoned Dynamos FC Team Manager Richard Chihoro, to appear before the PSL disciplinary committee following acts of misconduct that took place at a Castle Lager PSL match between Dynamos FC and Hwange at Babourfields Stadium on Saturday, 18th March 2023.
“Mr Chihoro will not be allowed anywhere near the team bus, changing rooms or to sit in the technical area during PSL matches until the matter has been finalised.
“Mr Chihoro is being charged for breaching Order 31 of the PSL Rules and Regulations which makes it an act of misconduct on the part of a player, official, servants or duly authorised (express or implied) representatives of a club who commits any act or makes any statement, either orally or in writing or has been responsible for conduct which is considered ungentlemanly, insulting or improper behaviour, or likely to bring the game, sponsors, any member, the League, ZIFA, CAF or FIFA into disrepute [or] behaves in a manner which brings the League or any of its sponsors into disrepute or endangers the welfare of the League.”
The disciplinary proceedings are scheduled at the PSL offices on Wednesday, 5th April.
