PSL orders Hardrock and Dynamos to replay abandoned match as clubs hit with heavy sanctions

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has ruled that the abandoned clash between Hardrock and Dynamos will resume from the 76th minute, with the remaining 14 minutes to be played behind closed doors at a neutral venue following the crowd violence that brought the fixture to an abrupt end.

The match, played at Chahwanda Stadium on May 24, was halted by referee Mhaka Magare with the score tied at 1-1 after rival supporters invaded the pitch and violent disturbances broke out in the stands.

In its disciplinary ruling, the PSL found both clubs guilty of offences including causing the abandonment of the match, pitch invasion, violent conduct, improper behaviour and disrupting the normal conduct of the game.

Hardrock and Dynamos were each fined US$10,000, although US$2,000 of Hardrock’s penalty was suspended for the rest of the season on condition the club is not found guilty of similar misconduct.

Hardrock were also sanctioned for failing to provide adequate security as the home side and must stage one home match behind closed doors. The punishment will now apply to their fixture against Triangle rather than Sunday’s scheduled meeting with CAPS United because tickets for the CAPS United game had already gone on sale.

The club has also been ordered to submit a revised match security management plan to the PSL chief executive within 30 days.

Dynamos, meanwhile, were found guilty of maliciously damaging the perimeter fence at Chahwanda Stadium. The Harare giants have been instructed to submit a detailed crowd management and stewarding plan within 30 days and provide written reports after every away match for the remainder of the season outlining measures taken to control their travelling supporters.

Hardrock chief executive Kudzanai Hove received an additional punishment after being found guilty of disorderly conduct, pitch invasion and violent behaviour. He has been suspended from all football-related activities until the end of the 2026 season and fined US$5,000.

Hove was arrested on May 26 after videos circulated appearing to show him assaulting a Dynamos supporter during the disturbances. He was suspended by Hardrock a day later and became the fifth person arrested in connection with the violence, which left several supporters requiring hospital treatment.

The disciplinary action followed summons issued by the PSL to both clubs and Hove on May 29.

Magare’s official match report, supported by assistant referees Brilliant Sibanda and Phikisani Ndlovu as well as match commissioner Ruzive Ruzive, revealed the sequence of events that led to the abandonment.

Kick-off was delayed until 3:30pm because security personnel were struggling to control crowds at the stadium entrances.

The major flashpoint came in the 67th minute when Magare awarded Hardrock a penalty for handball. Dynamos players Shadreck Nyahwa, Hastings Chapusha and Witness Shave strongly disputed the decision, with the referee reporting that one player pushed him, resulting in a five-minute stoppage before the penalty was eventually converted in the 72nd minute.

The report states that Dynamos supporters began throwing bottles, cans and stones toward Hardrock fans, triggering exchanges of missiles between the rival groups. Dynamos supporters were the first to invade the pitch before Hardrock supporters followed, forcing match officials to flee toward the dressing rooms.

Magare also reported that Dynamos technical staff and substitutes initially blocked the officials from leaving the field, accusing them of attempting to escape responsibility before eventually allowing them through.

Although the pitch was later cleared, the referee ruled that fading light and inadequate floodlighting made it unsafe to continue, leading to the official abandonment of the contest with 14 minutes remaining.

The PSL has since clarified how the replay will be handled following the mid-season transfer window.

PSL chief executive Rodwell Thabe said both clubs must use the same match-day squads that were registered for the original fixture. Players who have since transferred to other clubs or are unavailable through injury can only be replaced by substitutes who were already listed on the original team sheet.

“We fully understand the unique circumstances involved,” said Thabe.

“We understand that some players have moved since it’s already the mid-season window.

“But we are saying there are no new players allowed to take part in the game.

“Only the players who were there and have moved or cannot play due to injuries or something else, can be replaced by way of official substitutions.”

The ruling also raises questions over Dynamos’ technical bench, with uncertainty remaining over whether Genesis “Kaka” Mangombe—who has since been suspended by the club and has been linked with a return to Triangle—will be eligible to oversee the completion of the abandoned fixture.