Herentals FC will begin the new Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season without their supporters after the club was ordered to play Saturday’s opener against Chicken Inn FC behind closed doors as part of a disciplinary sanction carried over from last year.
The Premier Soccer League confirmed the decision in a statement issued hours before kickoff.
“We would like to remind fans that the match between Herentals and Chicken Inn scheduled for Saturday, March 7 will be played behind closed doors as Herentals will be serving an ongoing disciplinary judgement issued by the PSL Disciplinary Committee,” the PSL said.
The sanction stems from a ruling linked to incidents during a league match against CAPS United FC at Rufaro Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025.
In its judgement, the PSL Disciplinary Committee fined Herentals $5,000 and ordered the club to play three matches without spectators after finding the club responsible for incidents involving assault and disorderly conduct by security officials Paradzai Afa and Tairos Ngoma.
Herentals’ 2026 campaign begins in silence, with the Students forced to serve part of the sanction without the roar of their fans in the stands.
