Online Reporter
Onward Gangata , Zimpapers Sports Hub Correspondent
CONTROVERSY has once again engulfed the Zifa Central Region Soccer League, with fresh allegations of favouritism and underhand dealings threatening to overshadow the title run-in.
The race for promotion into the Premier Soccer League has Sheasham leading with 69 points, just two ahead of Hardrock, while Gwanda Pirates sit eight points behind. But it is Hardrock’s emphatic 13–0 win over Gokwe North on Wednesday that has fanned the flames of suspicion.
Rivals have questioned the legitimacy of the result after reports emerged that Gold Metals Investments, a company owned by Hardrock’s boss Shepherd Chahwanda, supplied kits to Gokwe North. The same company is also alleged to have extended support to Tongogara and Grain Tigers, both based in the mining town.
At the centre of the storm, however, is the case of a player whose identity has raised serious questions. Hardrock’s Tanyaradzwa Godfrey Tsiga was fielded in their 3–0 victory over ZRP Gwanda in August. Yet the player is also known as Ephany Gwawawa, registered with Dulibadzimu and listed as born July 6, 2001. At Hardrock, the same player is said to have appeared as Tsiga, born August 15, 2007, qualifying him as a development player.
When contacted, Dulibadzimu club secretary Combat Moyo confirmed the player had left during the mid-season transfer window.
“We released him during the mid-season transfer window after he asked to be released as he indicated to find another club,” Moyo said.
“He was a Dynamos player whom we had engaged on loan and I’m sure they can give further details on his transfers.”
Dynamos chairperson Moses Maunganidze confirmed the player remains on their books.
“As a club we have been in touch with the Central Region and I have since advised our secretariat to respond accordingly concerning the region’s requests, so I may not be in a position to give further details because it may affect the investigations and other processes,” he said.
Central Region chairperson Patrick Hill dismissed suggestions that his leadership is helping Hardrock to an unfair advantage, insisting investigations are underway.
“In the case of the player in question, yes we have a complaint that formally came to our offices from ZRP Gwanda. We then followed our procedures and asked for documentation from both parties, and even went as far as withdrawing the player’s license,” Hill said.
“We went further to ask the match officials if there were any complaints and none was reported. Our prosecutor then took charge of the case, so that it can proceed to the Disciplinary Committee.
“As I speak we are carrying out investigations because there are a lot of things that are involved in this case. It is a complex one where we have to go to other government departments to get certain.
