Wenslus Murape
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE ZIFA Southern Region League is faced with a headache following the demotion of three regional teams from the Castle Lager Premiership.
Arenel, Bulawayo Chiefs and Hwange were relegated alongside Chegutu Pirates.
Traditionally, the regional Division One League relegate four teams and promote as many drawn from Bulawayo and Matabeleland North provinces.
League spokesperson, Blessing Mbwanda, confirmed that they were in a quandary.
“We did not expect that we would lose as many as three teams at the end of the season. The figure is too high for us to accommodate, and this will now affect the number of teams we also relegate,” said Mbwanda.
“While we will be receiving two teams from Matabeleland North and Bulawayo, it is sad that we will be relegating as many as seven teams, it is too big a number to relegate in an 18-team league, surely, we are in a quandary.
“The region has lost three teams, it is a dent and we are disappointed over the demotions.”
ZPC Hwange were crowned champions in Hwange on Saturday and will be playing in the Premiership next season.
Coach Dalubuhle Bhebhe said:
“This is a wake-up call, our football is losing its traction. One issue I see on the surface is the failure to work together even as coaches to support those in charge of our Premier League teams.
“Now that we have fallen, we are counting the cost.
“Losing two teams as a city is too much, three in the region a disaster, we have lost out big time.”
Legend Zenzo Moyo said:
“Our leaders must see this as a crisis situation and work towards solutions that will help the game and our clubs stay in the Premiership in the future.”
Bikita survived the chop on Saturday when they beat fellow strugglers Hwange 2-0 at Wadzanai.
Online Reporter