(Because Sometimes Football and Business Are the Same Game!
The Slap Heard Across Zimbabwe
Ah, Zimbabwe never disappoints when it comes to drama whether it’s politics, potholes, or Premier Soccer League matches!
Last weekend, during an intense match between Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum, chaos unfolded faster than a kombi turning into oncoming traffic. The referee blew his whistle for a foul, but before everyone could settle, a Ngezi defender clearly confused tried to clear the ball and accidentally scored an own goal.
As if that wasn’t enough, the referee gave one player a red card, then after consulting his assistant, awarded the goal to Dynamos anyway!
Enter the head coach, Takesure Chiragwi, who completely was angered by the situation. In a fit of fury that would make even Mourinho raise an eyebrow, he slapped his red carded player. Live. On. TV.
When asked later, the coach calmly said, “It’s normal. We see it in Europe.”
Lesson 1: When Emotions Run High Don’t Let Your Hands Follow
Now, let’s be real every entrepreneur, manager, or team leader has had that one employee.
You know the one:
- Always late, but always has an excuse.
- Promises deadlines like a politician promises roads.
- Can’t finish a project, but somehow always looks busy.
Sometimes you want to do exactly what Coach Chiragwi did remove the spirit of laziness by laying on of hands!
But here’s the thing in business, just like in football, there are laws. You can’t slap, shout, or emotionally burn out your team. What you can do is discipline with structure, not with anger.
If someone is a consistent problem, don’t slap them replace them. Because one bad apple can spoil the entire crate, especially in small teams.
Lesson 2: The Red Card Approach
Every company needs its own version of a referee policies, HR procedures, and accountability systems.
When someone breaks company values repeatedly, don’t argue, don’t fight, don’t “pray it away.”
Just give them a red card professionally.
Let them go with dignity, and protect the rest of the team from unnecessary drama.
You can’t win a business “league” if you keep playing with unproductive players.
Lesson 3: Every Publicity Is Good Publicity
Now let’s be honest the coach messed up. But let’s look at it through our favourite lens.
“There is no bad publicity, my friend. Even a scandal is marketing just make sure your name is spelled correctly.”
True to that, today everyone in Zimbabwe knows the name Takesure Chiragwi.
He’s trending, he’s a meme, and he’s made it into football folklore.
In business, this translates to visibility.
When your brand hits the spotlight (even through mistakes), learn to turn the moment into momentum.
Apologize where needed, make the correction but never let a bad moment kill your confidence.
Because as they say in Mbare:
“Whether they laugh or clap, they’re still watching.”
Lesson 4: Leadership Is About Control, Not Chaos
The best leaders don’t lose their temper they channel it.
Chiragwi’s moment of madness is a reminder that leadership is not about being feared, it’s about being firm.
Anger can make you lose a match and a reputation.
But calm, structured discipline? That builds a winning team.
If you must slap something, slap a new system in place not a person.
Final Whistle
At the end of the day, the story of the coach and the slap isn’t just about football it’s a business parable.
- Hire carefully.
- Lead firmly.
- Discipline wisely.
- Turn your drama into branding.
Because sometimes, leadership means keeping your cool when the world or your team is losing theirs.
And as for Coach Chiragwi, well…
Let’s just say he might have lost his temper, but he won free PR for life.
“In football or business, when the team starts performing poorly, don’t slap them reshuffle them.
But if you do end up trending, at least make sure your logo is visible in the background.”
By The Chartered Vendor
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