Bafa league kicks off next week

Ngqwele Dube
THE Bulawayo Amateur Football Association expects a highly competitive league as it secured a slot for the champions in Zifa Bulawayo Province’s Division Three.
Bafa chairman, Chris Mtungwazi said the promotional status they were granted is likely to ensure teams are stronger as they battle to move to the higher league.

The league kicks off next Sunday with 16 teams lined up for what is set to be an exciting season.
Mtungwazi said they are happy most teams have paid their registration fees with only six still to regularise their stay in the league.

“Teams are looking forward to an exciting season and so far 10 teams have paid their dues, a pleasing development because previously teams waited for the last minute to register and we would like to urge those yet to pay up to do so before the league starts as they will not be allowed to play.

“We will be registering players this year hence that can only be done once a team is registered,” he said.
Several new developments, that include player registration, a promotional slot and a reduction in ground rental fees, are expected to usher in a smoother and professional league.

Mtungwazi said the effect of the promotional status will be immense and will serve to attract more professional teams.

Already there are several new teams that have registered with Bafa this year and they include Unity Village, Alloy Castings that was in Division Three and Eleven Stars.

“There were problems with players coming in from other leagues and we realised it would be best if we would register players and give them cards so that there is a difference between our league and social soccer leagues.

“BCC reduced rates for the Barbourfields Outside Grounds, which we traditionally use from $13,35 to $6 per match and this will make the grounds affordable and will not bite much into the teams’ funds,” he said.

Mtungwazi said beside the traditional Townshend and Butcher Trophy they are in advanced talks with sponsors with regards to sponsorship of cup tournaments.

He said they are likely to have two cup competitions with another sponsor expressing interest in funding the league. Mtungwazi said they will be releasing the full season fixtures on Wednesday.