Magaya’s Yadah FC, popularly known as the “church boys” of Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League (PSL), has been rocked by scandal after one of its top officials was found guilty of assaulting a player. The shocking incident has dealt a heavy blow to the Prophet Walter Magaya-owned club, which has long marketed itself as a football institution rooted in faith, discipline, and spirituality.
Senior club executive Spencer Muvadi has been fined US$4 000 and banned from all football-related activities for a year after he assaulted the team’s goalkeeper, Goodknows Gurure, following a league clash with Ngezi Platinum Stars on August 22 at Heart Stadium.
The violent altercation unfolded in full public view, leaving players, fans, and officials stunned. Gurure, who has been a dependable presence between the posts for the Miracle Boys, was reportedly left shaken after the attack, which contradicted the club’s reputation as a side that preaches peace and sportsmanship.
The PSL’s disciplinary committee moved swiftly to address the matter. In a statement released by league communications officer Kudzai Bare, the league announced the sanctions against Muvadi, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy towards violence and misconduct.
“Mr. Muvadi was found guilty of breaching the PSL Rules and Regulations and the Committee has imposed a fine of US$4 000 together with costs of the hearing,” Bare said.
Muvadi’s punishment also extends beyond the fine and suspension. For the next 12 months, he will not be allowed to conduct any business on behalf of Magaya’s Yadah FC or any other PSL club. He is also prohibited from attending any league matches, effectively removing him from the country’s top-flight football circles for a full season.
The club itself was not spared. Magaya’s Yadah FC was slapped with a US$5 000 fine for failing to control their official. The club has just 15 days to settle the penalty, a stark reminder that teams are accountable for the actions of their administrators.
The PSL used the incident to issue a broader warning to all clubs, urging them to protect the reputation and integrity of Zimbabwean football.
Magaya’s Senior Lieutenant Caught in Physical Altercation
“The League remains committed to upholding discipline, protecting the integrity of the game, and promoting a safe environment for all participants,” the statement read.
Analysts say the punishment sends a strong message that violence, particularly from club leaders who are expected to set an example, will not be tolerated. In recent years, the PSL has sought to professionalize the league and curb unsportsmanlike conduct, making this case a critical test of its disciplinary framework.
For Yadah FC, the scandal could not have come at a worse time. Branded as the “Miracle Boys” because of their close ties to Prophet Magaya’s Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, the club has always leaned heavily on its spiritual identity. Players are often portrayed as “anointed athletes,” and the team has marketed itself as a shining example of blending faith and sport.
Yet, the violent outburst has put a serious dent in that image. Critics argue that the incident undermines Yadah’s credibility and exposes contradictions in its spiritual branding. “This is not the behaviour one expects from a club that prides itself on godliness,” one football analyst remarked. “It’s a heavy blow to the idea of Yadah as the moral compass of the PSL.”
Some fans have taken to social media to express disappointment, with many questioning how a senior executive could lose his composure so publicly. Others have called for the club’s leadership to institute stronger internal disciplinary systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The fallout also raises questions about player welfare in Zimbabwean football. Assaulting a player, particularly by an official, not only damages team morale but also risks creating a toxic environment where athletes may feel unsafe. Gurure’s assault has reignited calls for the PSL and the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) to prioritize mechanisms that protect players from abuse, whether physical or verbal, by officials and administrators.
Sports governance experts warn that repeated incidents of violence could deter potential sponsors, who are crucial to the survival of local clubs.Magaya’s Yadah FC, like many PSL teams, depends on external funding and fan support, both of which could be jeopardized by reputational damage.
Despite the scandal, Magaya’s Yadah FC still has a chance to redeem itself, but it will take more than just paying fines. The club’s leadership is under pressure to rebuild its image and prove that it remains committed to discipline and professionalism.
For now, the Miracle Boys find themselves in the uncomfortable position of having to reconcile their religious branding with the harsh reality of misconduct at the top levels of their administration. As the new season unfolds, the spotlight will remain firmly on Yadah—not for their on-field performances, but for how they handle the fallout from this disciplinary crisis.
For a team that once built its reputation on spirituality and virtue, this latest scandal is a bitter reminder that in football, as in life, actions speak louder than words.
Source- ZimEye
