Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Ngezi Platinum Stars Takesure Chiragwi has voluntarily relinquished his position as the Warriors’ first assistant coach, a move directly linked to his shocking conduct over the weekend.
Chiragwi is facing intense scrutiny after he slapped his player, McDonald Makuwe, during a heated Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash with Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.
The shocking incident unfolded as Chiragwi was vehemently protesting a goal awarded to Dynamos in the ill-tempered game, which ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.
Makuwe was attempting to calm his coach down when Chiragwi lashed out.
The visibility of the action, broadcast live on national television, immediately triggered a massive public outcry.
Ngezi Platinum finished the match with 10 men after Leslie Kashitigu received a red card for a professional foul.
Chiragwi himself was sent off for his wild protests, but his troubles didn’t end there.
He risks further punishment from the PSL after he was seen on television continuing to bellow instructions to his team from behind the dugout despite his dismissal.
The PSL issued a statement late Saturday evening, confirming they had launched investigations into the unsavory incident.
In response to the mounting pressure, Chiragwi has released a comprehensive public statement, announcing his withdrawal from national team duties and offering a sweeping apology.
“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, 4 October 2025,” read part of the statement. “My actions on the touchline, which were broadcast live, were wholly inappropriate and unbecoming of a coach, leader, and representative of our game.”
The coach’s deepest apologies were reserved for the player involved.
“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,” he stated, adding that he has since apologised to Makuwe in person.
Chiragwi also extended his apologies to Ngezi Platinum Stars, the PSL, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), and the football community at large, acknowledging the damage his actions caused to the sport’s integrity.
In a move to respect due process, he announced his immediate departure from the Warriors camp. “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 confirmed.
Both the PSL and ZIFA are now expected to review the matter in line with their respective disciplinary regulations. Chiragwi has pledged full cooperation. “I remain committed to learning from this incident, rebuilding trust, and proving through my actions that this mistake does not define me,” he concluded.
The apology came just as the Warriors technical team and local-based players left for South Africa this afternoon. They will join their foreign-based counterparts to prepare for their final two World Cup qualifiers.
The team, bottom of Group C and already out of contention for the World Cup ticket, will face South Africa in Durban on Friday before taking on Lesotho in Polokwane next Monday. These matches are being used primarily to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco this December.
Kaitano Tembo, recently appointed as the second assistant coach, will step up to assist head coach Michael Nees in Chiragwi’s absence.
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