Online Reporter
ZIFA have come up with a proposal to expand the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League from 18 to 20 teams when the top-flight league resumes next year.
ZIFA CEO Yvonne Manwa advised her PSL counterpart, Rodwell Thebe, about the proposed move in a letter which was sent on Monday.
There had been speculation that ZIFA will come with such a move throughout the year.
On Monday, the association finally put the proposal in black and white and triggered a nationwide debate.
The proposal also includes the formation of a national Division One side.
ZIFA believe more teams will mean more games, which they argue translates to improved broadcasting value, increased sponsorship attraction and potentially a stronger national league product.
There are some challenges to coming up with such an arrangement.
The majority of Division One clubs struggle just to fulfill a season and many of them do not have powerful financial backers.
Asking a club, let’s say from Chisumbanje, to fulfil Division One matches in places like Hwange will complicate matters and, if we are not careful, we will see a number of clubs collapsing.
The advantage of the regional Division One leagues is that it ensures that the majority of the clubs largely fulfil matches within their provinces.
But, the most controversial proposal has to be the one related to the increase in the number of PSL clubs from 18 to 20.
It’s controversial because it sends a message that ZIFA are trying to protect certain clubs and ensure that, in the event they end up in the relegation zone, their PSL status will still be guaranteed.
Already, we have seen discussion on social media where the common theme is that ZIFA are trying to protect Dynamos and ensure that, in the event the Glamour Boys end up in relegation trouble, they will be saved.
It looks likely that DeMbare will complete their nightmarish season well clear of the bottom four but nothing can be taken for granted.
If they lose to FC Platinum in their final game of the season, they could find themselves among the bottom four clubs, provided other results don’t go their way.
Therein lies the problem related to ZIFA’s proposal because it comes through as a hidden attempt to try and ensure that DeMbare will be spared from relegation even if they finish among the bottom four clubs.
Given the controversy around Dynamos’ 1-1 draw against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro, in which the Glamour Boys scored after the referee had blown his whistle, which led to his suspension, the ZIFA move will fuel speculation ZIFA have been trying to save the Glamour Boys.
ZIFA are in charge of the referees.
IF ZIFA’s proposal is genuine, then whatever they are trying to implement should have no bearing on what happens at the end of this season and four teams should be relegated from the PSL.
You can’t have goal posts being changed at the end of the season.
This compromises the integrity of the league.
