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Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
RELEGATED Premier League side Chegutu Pirates’s chances of playing in the Northern Region Division One League this season hang in the balance after Chegutu Municipality turned down the team’s request to fund its affiliation fee of $6 000.
Pirates were promoted into the Premier League last season after displaying a new brand of exciting football but found the going tough and could not stand up to the heat in the league and were relegated.
The club then wrote to the local authority seeking assistance with the affiliation fees in order for them to be registered with the league for 2025.
However, the local authority shot down their request.
In a letter dated February 28, 2025, and addressed to the Chegutu Pirates Executive, Council’s Community Service Officer, Munyaradzi Sanangurai, said the council appreciated the club’s efforts to play in the Northern Region Division One League.
Sanangurai dropped the bombshell by telling the executive that the council was not going to foot the bill.
“Due to limited resources, we regret to inform you that the council cannot afford the $6 000 affiliation fee at this time,” wrote Sanangurai.
He said in line with the council resolution OFC114/1 2024, which stipulates “that ownership of Chegutu Pirates be formally domiciled with the greater Chegutu community under the leadership of the executive Committee led by the chairman of the football club.
“The council resolved that the team will be fully run by the community,” said Sanangurai.
He added:
“Therefore, we suggest that you explore alternative funding sources such as local sponsorship or partnerships to support your team’s participation in the league,” said Sanangurai.
Council, however, said it will consider giving a glimmer of hope if their financial resources improve.
“We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing Chegutu Pirates thrive in the league,” said Sanangurai.
Online Reporter