Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA Central Region have offered a Division One franchise to Esigodini-based Habane Pirates following the withdrawal of Dendairy from the league.
Habane Pirates finished second in the Zifa Matabeleland South Division Two behind Talen Vision Academy who were elevated to Division One. Stanley Chapeta, the Zifa Central Region chairman said they had asked the Matabeleland South chairman, Nkosilathi Ncube to find out if Habane Pirates were interested in taking up the slot.
“We have asked Ncube to talk to Habane Pirates if they still have the interest to play D1 football as they earlier on indicated. Yes, Dendairy has withdrawn and if Habane Pirates are prepared we will offer the slot to them,’’ Chapeta said.
However, with the registration for new teams pegged at $53 852,50, Habane Pirates feel that the invitation has come a little too late for them since they were already planning for life in Division Two. No official decision has been made but Thembani “Yena” Mpofu, one of the Habane Pirates financial backers feels that the communication from Zifa was a little too late when some of those who were willing to assist the club had withdrawn their interest.
“Truth is this offer is very late. The funds were there when we thought we were going to D1 but when things changed, a lot of sponsors pulled out,’’ Mpofu.
At the end of last year, there was excitement as the people of Esigodini thought Division One football was headed to their beloved Mpelele Stadium. Habane Pirates, who finished second in the Matabeleland South Division Two League had for the bulk of the season been under the impression that they were going up together with champions, Talen Vision Academy. Zifa however, only promoted one team from the 12-team league.
— @Mdawini_29
Bongani Ndlovu