Published: 4 hours ago

Ngezi Platinum Stars forward McDonald Makuwe has come to the defence of his coach, Takesure Chiragwi, following a controversial incident during Saturday's match against Dynamos, in which Chiragwi struck him across the face.

The altercation, captured on camera, occurred as Makuwe attempted to calm Chiragwi, who was protesting a red card decision. The footage quickly went viral, sparking public outrage and prompting Chiragwi to issue a public apology and resign as Warriors assistant coach. Both the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) condemned the incident and demanded detailed reports from the club.

Despite the attention, Makuwe downplayed the event, describing the contact as accidental. "Coach had already received a red card, unfortunately. During this exchange, the Head Coach inadvertently raised his hand, and in doing so, he accidentally made contact with me," Makuwe said.

He further emphasised that he suffered no physical harm and that the incident did not affect his relationship with Chiragwi. "I see Coach Chiragwi as more than just a coach; he has been both a mentor and a father figure to me during my time at the club and even before that. Following the incident, Coach Chiragwi apologised to me in front of the players and Mr Musariri, the club Chairman," Makuwe added.

The incident has reignited discussions around discipline in Zimbabwe's local league, coming just a month after the PSL suspended Yadah FC board member Spencer Muvadi for a year for assaulting the club's goalkeeper, Godknows Gurure, in August.

Makuwe's remarks underscore the complex dynamics between coaches and players, highlighting both mentorship and the pressures of high-stakes matches in the Premier Soccer League.
- NewZimbabwe

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