Vusumuzi Dube
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE Zifa Southern Region Division One League is on the verge of sealing a deal with a major sponsor which will see the league operations improve from the present chaotic state.
A number of matches have failed to kick-off in the league with teams giving excuses at the eleventh hour.
A few teams have struggled to fulfil away games and in some cases home matches.
As a result, three teams have been expelled from the league at the halfway mark.
A situation that does not portray a good image of the league.
Zimbabwe Saints, Mountain Climbers and Makhandeni Pirates are the teams that have been shown the exit door.
The three teams have been failing to play all required matches, to meet their financial obligations and to pay affiliation fees.
Makhandeni Pirates and Zimbabwe Saints were sitting at the bottom two places of the log, with Mountain Climbers in 14th place.
The region’s spokesperson, Blessing Mbwanda says they are working on addressing the challenges the league is facing.
“It’s sad that we have had to get rid of some teams. We tried to give the teams time by calling for an earlier break before the second half. We thought maybe they could put their houses in order but that was not to be. Imagine a team traveling all the way to Bulawayo only for the home side not to turn up, it’s not fair on the other teams.
“We would rather have fewer teams in the league than have teams that are failing. The blame, however, is not entirely on the teams but we are still recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many teams lost sponsorship and are still trying to recover. We also had in-fighting within the region which in some way had an effect,” said Mbwanda whose committee ousted Andrew Tapela’s elected one.
He said they are close to concluding a deal that could turn the league’s fortunes.
“We are in the final stages of agreeing on a deal that will assist us in running a smooth sailing league.
This will also help the teams financially. If all goes according to plan the sponsor will be jumping on board before this season ends. They will be with us for the next three years. We are hopeful of sealing this deal and improving our league,” said Mbwanda.
Online Reporter