adminHighlanders were handed a three-year ban from all continental competitions by the African football body after Zifa registered them without their consent to play in the Confederations Cup in 2011.
Because of poor funding, Highlanders could not participate in the tournament.
Last minute withdrawals from Caf competitions lead to mandatory three-year bans and or fines.
A letter from Shereen Arafa, Caf competitions division deputy director, confirmed yesterday that the case will now be heard next year.
“We acknowledge receipt of your letter concerning your request to subscribe Highlanders to Caf inter- clubs competitions beyond 2013.
“Consequently, we would like to inform you that this request will be submitted at the meeting of Caf organising committee for interclub competitions in 2013,” wrote Arafa in his letter to the Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze.
With Highlanders having not expressed their intention to participate in next year’s Caf competitions, the latest soft stance by the continental mother body gives hope to the black and white family that maybe Caf will be lenient on them in the future.
If the verdict goes in their favour then, it will come as a huge motivational factor for the Kelvin Kaindu coached boys to fight all the way for the league title so that they return to Africa in 2014.
Chances are high that Zimbabwe will have a single slot in the Caf Champions league competition following Zimbabwe’s poor showing in the same competition over the last couple of years.
Caf has been allocating Zimbabwe two slots in the Champions League and Confederation Cup due to the previously impressive record by Monomotapa and Harare giants, Dynamos.
Highlanders’ last participation was in 2007 when the club was left with a $40 000 debt.
Online Reporter