Players assaulted after match

The players of Madombidzha Western Stars were allegedly attacked after a Safa Vhembe SAB league match against Zamenkomste United Brothers, which was played at the Zamenkomste grounds on Saturday .

The match ended 2-1 in favour of Brothers.

According to the PRO of Stars, Mr Ronny Muthambi, after the game there was unruly and barbaric behaviour, “instigated by hooligans who are said to be fans of Brothers.” Muthambi said angry people from Zamenkomste hurled stones at the vehicle of the Stars.

"One man came when our players were undressing after the match and went straight to our player Percy Munonoka," Muthambi said. "This man beat Munonoka with a stone in the face and he was seriously injured. Other people joined him and fought against our players."

Mr Zane Mamafha of United Brothers expressed regret about the incident and apologised to Stars and the league. He claims that the perpetrators are not fans of the club. "The hooligans are not supporters of our team," Mamafha said. He said the persons who started to fight with Stars players "are our rival team, Zamenkomste Liverpool players".

A spokesperson for the Tshilwavhusiku SAPS, Const Musiwalo Mahuwa, said two players of Stars, Percy Munonoka (25) and Lufuno Ndou (23), were arrested on Saturday and released with a warning on Sunday for allegedly assaulting a Brothers fan.

Munonoka also opened a case of assault against Nathaniel Makhudzha, who was arrested on Sunday. The three were supposed to have appeared in Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate's Court on Monday. They reached a settlement out of the court and the cases were withdrawn.

According to Safa Vhembe President Mr George Kubayi, the home team had the responsibility of making sure that the visiting team and the referee were protected inside and outside the grounds. He condemned the unbecoming behaviour by the fans of Brothers.