Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE ZIFA Appeals Committee have ended the dispute between Mashonaland West Division 2B side Chingwere and the Northern Region Soccer League by upholding the club’s plea against the regional body’s decision to reject their membership for the 2026 season.
In a comprehensive 11-page judgment issued yesterday, the Appeals Committee, chaired by lawyer Ralph Tsvivama, unanimously agreed to direct NRSL to re-admit Chingwere.
The league had claimed the club failed to pay US$6,000 affiliation fees “on time’’.
They replaced them with another Mashonaland West Division 2B side Marere, who had finished 11th on the 2025 log standings.
Tsvivama’s committee took note of submissions by both Chingwere and NRSL after which they determined that the club had not erred in their bid to affiliate in the region.
“The Appellant be and is hereby declared a member of the Northern Region Soccer League and shall compete in all matches,” read part of the judgment.
The Appeals Committee also outlined the circumstances that led to the dispute between the NRSL and Chingwere.
“Following Chingwere FC’s triumph in the Mashonaland West Division 2B League on 18th December 2025 and their subsequent promotion to the Division 1 (Northern Region), the NRSL issued an invoice dated 30th December 2025 requiring payment of affiliation fees in the sum of USD 6,000.
“The invoice stipulated that payment was due on 31st December 2025. Pursuant thereto, NRSL formally welcomed Chingwere FC into the League and published the official list of participating clubs for the 2026 season.
“That list comprised of 16 confirmed teams – including the Respondent – Chingwere FC, with two additional clubs to be announced. The club was also reflected in the official fixtures, with matches scheduled to commence in February 2026.
“On 16th January 2026, Chingwere FC effected part payment of USD 3,000, which was duly accepted by NRSL, leaving a balance of USD 3,000 outstanding. On the same day, the Appellant communicated its temporary financial constraints and requested an extension of time within which to settle the balance.
“Subsequently, on 23rd January 2026, a preliminary stadium inspection was conducted upon payment of USD 250 by the club. Despite these administrative steps, and notwithstanding the outstanding balance, NRSL issued correspondence dated 3rd February 2026 declining Chingwere FC’s membership on the basis of alleged financial distress.
“This communication was, according to Respondent, availed to the Appellant on 4th February 2026, on which date the NRSL also reimbursed the USD3,000 previously paid to Appellant.
“Thereafter, on 6th February 2026, Chingwere FC deposited the full sum of USD 6,000 into NRSL’s account. However, by communication dated 9 February 2026, NRSL advised that such payment had not been accepted. “
