adminSports Correspondent
ONLY six teams have paid affiliation fees to the Bulawayo Amateur Football Association (Bafa) with the rest struggling to raise the money.
The six that have paid are Chronicle Nga, Matabeleland High City FC, Mpilo Hospital FC, BCC West Park, Hotspurs FC and Rebels United.Ten clubs are yet to register with one of the oldest soccer leagues in the country half way through the season and chances of them registering any time soon look slim.
Bafa chairman Cuthbert Mpofu maintained a brave face despite his league operating with six teams out of a possible 16 saying the situation will normalise.
Affiliation fee is pegged at $50 per club and considering financial challenges facing even big teams, only a few will manage to pay before the end of the season.
‘‘Yes it is true that only six teams have paid affiliation fees while the rest of clubs are promising to pay in due course. We are racing against time but there is nothing we can do. Financial challenges are affecting everyone and we just pray that the rest of the clubs will pay before the end of the season,’’ said Mpofu.
On the issue of player licences which is one dollar per player, it seems all are yet to pay.
When asked if this will not put his league on a collision course with Zifa since Bafa is an affiliate of the soccer motherbody, Mpofu was evasive in his response.
‘‘That one my friend is a sensitive issue and I cannot deny the fact that some teams are fielding players without licences. We just agree with clubs so that the games can be played,’’ he said.
This year Bafa as an affiliate of Zifa are using active instead of retired referees.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo