ZIMBABWE national football team assistant coach and Ngezi Platinum Stars head coach Takesure Chiragwi has issued an apology for slapping his player, McDonald Makuwe, during a heated confrontation during the 1-1 draw with Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.
The incident, which saw Chiragwi lash out at Makuwe as the player attempted to restrain him following the coach’s sending off, was broadcast live on ZBCtv and in full view of a packed stadium, instantly dominating football headlines across the country.
Chiragwi’s apology, issued yesterday, was swiftly followed by the announcement that he is stepping aside from his role with the Warriors technical team for their final two World Cup qualifier matches.
The national squad left the country yesterday for South Africa, where they will face the hosts at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, and Lesotho on October 13 at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The Warriors are merely playing for pride, having already crashed out of contention for the sole ticket in Group C.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) had already issued a statement on Saturday night confirming they were launching an investigation into the matter, which is now expected to proceed with Chiragwi’s full co-operation.
In his statement, the Ngezi Platinum Stars coach expressed deep regret and took full responsibility for his actions.
“I wish to sincerely and unreservedly apologise for my regrettable conduct during the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match between Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos FC at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday October 4, 2025.
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“My actions on the touchline, which were broadcast live, were wholly inappropriate and unbecoming of a coach, leader, and representative of our game,” he said.
“First and foremost, I extend my deepest apologies to McDonald Makuwe, the player involved. I am deeply sorry for my behaviour towards you.
“Regardless of the circumstances or emotions of the moment, there is no justification for my actions, and I take full responsibility for the hurt and embarrassment they may have caused you.
“I have since had the opportunity to speak with you directly and apologise in person, and I sincerely thank you for your understanding and graciousness in accepting that apology.”
Chiragwi also apologised to Ngezi Platinum Stars Football Club, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and its partners, as well as the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) and football fans before revealing that he was stepped aside from his national team role.
“In the spirit of transparency and respect for due process, I have stepped aside from my national team duties for the upcoming Fifa World Cup Qualifiers to allow all disciplinary procedures to take place without prejudice,” he said.
“I will co-operate fully with the investigations by the PSL and any other relevant authorities and accept whatever outcome or sanction is deemed appropriate.”
His club Ngezi Platinum Stars also issued a statement yesterday regarding the incident.
"We’ve seen the statement from the Premier Soccer League and are working closely with them as we also look into what happened ourselves. Our first priority is to get a clear and complete picture of the events.
“Our club is built on a foundation of respect, professionalism and discipline. These aren’t just words to us; they’re core to who we are, on and off the pitch.
“We know football is a game of passion, but we also believe that composure and respect for everyone involved must always come first,” the club said.
“We’re currently engaging with all relevant parties to ensure our response is fair and true to our values.
“To allow for a thorough process, we won’t be making any further detailed comments until both the league’s and our own internal investigations are complete.
“To our incredible supporters, our valued sponsors and partners, and the wider football family: we are truly sorry for the disappointment this situation has caused.”
Chiragwi’s departure from the national set-up creates an immediate shift in the technical bench for coach Michael Nees.
Last week, Zifa announced the appointment of former Warriors’ captain Kaitano Tembo as a second assistant coach, providing a new face to join the travelling staff.
Nees named a strong squad for the World Cup qualifiers, including core Europe-based players such as Marshall Munetsi, Marvellous Nakamba, Teenage Hadebe, Munashe Garananga, Jordan Zemura, Tawanda Chirewa, Bill Antonio and Tawanda Maswanhise.
Notable additions to the squad include Tanzania-based striker Prince Dube, Germany-based Jonah Fabisch and the return of veteran Khama Billiat, all of whom missed previous internationals.
However, Greece-based forward Tino Kadewere was conspicuous by his absence.
Kadewere had previously made headlines ahead of last month’s qualifier against Rwanda for an alleged assault on a female journalist over negative social media comments, which could be the reason for his current omission.
Andy Rinomhota, who is currently clubless after leaving Cardiff City during the summer, also missed the cut.
The Warriors will now prepare for the final matches with an adjusted technical staff, focusing on restoring dignity to their campaign after an unexpected technical scandal threatened to overshadow their final international engagements of the year.
It awaits to be seen whether Chiragwi will face further sanctions after PSL investigations are complete.
Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze, Martin Mapisa
Defenders: Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garan’anga, Teenage Hadebe, Brendan Galloway, Emmanuel Jalai, Godknows Murwira, Jordan Zemura, Divine Lunga
Midfielders and strikers: Marvelous Nakamba, Jonah Fabisch, Marshall Munetsi, Tawanda Chirewa, Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Bill Antonio, Tawanda Maswanhise, Tawanda Maswanhise, Walter Musona, Prince Dube, Thando Ngwenya
