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Curtworth Masango
Bikita Minerals are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that Tenax will not contest the latest ruling by the Zifa Eastern Region Division One league awarding the lithium miners all points in their controversial final match of the 2023 season against Grayham.
In a ruling on Thursday, ERSL awarded Bikita Minerals victory on a 3-0 scoreline after finding Grayham guilty of fielding an illegal player.
The three points give Bikita Minerals the ERSL 2023 championship ahead of Tenax who would have won the championship with the Masvingo province side failing to win against Grayham.
As things stand, Bikita Minerals will be taking up the ERSL slot in the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
However, an appeal by Tenax suspends any promotion.
Bikita Minerals spokesperson, Collen Nikisi, said they are excited about the idea of playing topflight football adding that they are ready.
“As a club we have not been moved a bit by everything that happened. We have a solid case according to the constitution and statues of the region. So we were confident that it was going to come our way as rules are rules.
“We started our training camp back in December. The boys have been committed and remained focused all this time though it might have affected them one way or the other but I can confirm everything is under control and we are actually ready to go and play in our upcoming fixtures.
“We are excited to play our first match and compete with our opponents. We are looking forward to having a positive result as we are seeking to survive relegation.
Bikita Minerals have appointed Saul Chaminuka as their head coach and believe he is the right person to guide the team.
The technical team is also comprised of Anorld Jani, Max Nyamupangedengu, Tongai Mugeji and Dylan Chivandire.
“It’s our first time in the topflight but I believe we have enough experience in our technical team that can help us survive relegation. Surviving relegation remains our biggest target in our maiden season.
“We have Saul Chaminuka, who has vast experience and identifies himself well with the people of Masvingo. So we believe he will be key in our plans with the help of his team.
Bikita Minerals are looking forward to renovating Lithium Stadium in Bikita but they are looking for a temporary home.
“We have plans to renovate our Lithium stadium to meet the required standards of the topflight. So far we can’t put a timeframe now on when we are going to start but maybe next week we will be in a position to share that information.
“So without Lithium or Gibbo, the home stadium we would prefer is Greenfuel Arena or Sakubva but we still have to negotiate with the owners and see what will be the agreement,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tenax chairman, Stefani Masina said the club will meet and decide if they will appeal the latest decision.
Masina believes they have seven days to appeal.
“We are still to sit down and decide on the next step. From the day of the verdict any appeal should be made in seven days.
“The 48-hour deadline is for Grayham to give mitigation. So for an appeal we still have time,” he said.
Online Reporter