Highlanders rocked by 27-point deduction

Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub

HIGHLANDERS Football Club has been dealt a significant blow in the Zifa Bulawayo Junior Serie A Under-15 League after they were hit with a substantial 27-point deduction. This severe disciplinary action, stemming from the alleged use of an ineligible player, has resulted in these vital points being awarded to nine of their rivals in the 16-member league, dramatically reshaping the standings.

The player at the heart of the controversy, Rockey Muleya, notably featured in nine of Highlanders’ thirteen matches played so far this season. According to Zifa Bulawayo Provincial Chairperson, Francis Ntuta, Muleya had not been properly cleared by FMSA Umguza to join the Highlanders Under-15 squad at the beginning of the current campaign.

“I can confirm that the Highlanders Under-15 side has been docked 27 points after they used an uncleared player, Rockey Muleya, in several of their matches. Muleya was not cleared to join Highlanders by FMSA Umguza at the start of the year. The decision to dock Highlanders the points was reached approximately two weeks ago, following meticulous verification of all the matches in which the player was fielded.”

As a direct consequence of this significant breach, nine clubs have directly benefited from the ruling: Young Flying Stars, Alibaba Foundation, Chicken Inn, Bulawayo City, Cowdray Park, Tigers, River Plate, FMSA Umguza, and Zebra Revolution. Each of these teams has been awarded a welcome three points, with the scoreline officially recorded as 3–0 in their favour.

When approached for comment, Highlanders’ Communications and Marketing Officer, Nozibelo Maphosa, courteously declined to either confirm or deny the development, simply stating: “Kindly come back to me later and I will give our full position.”

Following this severe penalty, Highlanders now find themselves languishing second from the bottom of the league table, holding a meagre two points and a concerning goal difference of -28. Their most recent fixture against bottom-placed Iminyela Timers was, perhaps tellingly, abandoned.

Interestingly, Iminyela Timers remain rooted to the bottom with zero points and an even more alarming goal difference of -53. The league is currently commanded by Realstars FC, who have accumulated a strong 32 points, placing them just two points clear of second-placed Chicken Inn.
– @FungaiMuderere