HARARE – Ngezi Platinum Stars coach and Zimbabwe national team assistant coach Takesure Chiragwi has apologised and stepped aside from his Warriors duties after slapping one of his own players during a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.
The incident, captured live on ZBC Jive TV, occurred moments after Ngezi conceded a goal in a match that eventually ended 1-1. Chiragwi was seen striking midfielder McDonald Makuwe, apparently in anger, after the player tried to calm him down.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the 41-year-old coach described his conduct as “wholly inappropriate and unbecoming of a coach, leader, and representative of our game.”
“I wish to sincerely and unreservedly apologise for my regrettable conduct,” Chiragwi said.
“Regardless of the circumstances or emotions of the moment, there is no justification for my actions. I take full responsibility for the hurt and embarrassment they may have caused.
“I have since apologised to McDonald Makuwe in person and thank him for his understanding and graciousness in accepting that apology.”
Chiragwi also apologised to Ngezi Platinum Stars, the Premier Soccer League (PSL), ZIFA, fans and the football community, saying his behaviour “fell far short of the standards expected” of him.
He confirmed stepping aside from the Warriors’ technical team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Lesotho “to allow all disciplinary procedures to take place without prejudice.”
“I will cooperate fully with investigations and accept whatever outcome or sanction is deemed appropriate,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League has condemned the incident and launched an investigation.
In a statement, the PSL said it had requested a detailed report from Ngezi Platinum Stars while awaiting official match reports.
“The league strongly condemns any form of violence and will not hesitate to take appropriate disciplinary action where necessary in line with the PSL rules and regulations,” the statement read.
The PSL said it would not comment further until all reports had been received.
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