Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AJAX Hotspurs’ nightmare season just got worse.
The struggling Mpopoma side failed to fulfil their Zifa Southern Region Division One fixture against Bulawayo City at White City Stadium on Saturday, not because they didn’t show up, but because of player licence irregularities that sparked a dramatic pre-match standoff.
Already rooted to the bottom of the table and reeling from multiple walkovers after failing to travel for previous matches, Hotspurs were hoping to at least get back on the pitch. But this time, it wasn’t logistics that let them down, it was paperwork.
According to reports, Bulawayo City raised objections during the pre-match inspection, claiming that several Hotspurs players didn’t match the faces on their registration cards. Match officials confirmed only six players could be cleared to play, forcing the game to be called off.
Zifa Southern Region board member Blessing Mbwanda confirmed the incident.
“We’re obviously waiting for reports from the match officials and the two clubs. We’ll be guided by those reports and football regulations,” said Mbwanda.
The cancellation adds another twist to Hotspurs’ turbulent campaign, which has been rocked by financial setbacks. The club recently lost a key sponsor, one instrumental in their move up to Division One, and the impact has been devastating.
Club director Siphambaniso Dube, speaking from the UK, expressed confusion and frustration over the latest setback.
“But Bulawayo City ought to have played under protest,” said Dube. “Honestly, I’m not sure what really happened for us to have so many players ruled out.”
As administrative chaos dogs Hotspurs, the rest of the league carries on, with Nkayi United continuing their title charge after grinding out a 1-0 win at White City. They now sit on 37 points, three clear of Bulawayo Chiefs in second place.
Weekend Results at a Glance:
Bulawayo Warriors 3–1 Jordan
Nust 0–2 Casmyn
Bosso 90 0–1 Zebra
Bulawayo Chiefs 1–0 Black Rock
Hwange 2–0 Imbizo
Eagle Life 1–2 Vic Falls Herentals
Talen Vision 1–1 Megawatt
Nkayi United 1–0 Mainline
Southern Region Division One Log Table:
PWDLFAPts
Nkayi United 16 11 4 1 25 7 37
Byo Chiefs 16 10 4 2 26 6 34
Hwange 16 9 4 3 25 8 31
Byo Warriors 16 9 3 4 21 9 30
Black Rock 15 7 3 5 11 6 24
Mainline 16 7 3 6 19 22 24
Talen Vision 16 6 5 5 19 10 23
Casmyn 14 7 1 6 15 11 22
Bosso 90 16 6 4 6 13 16 22
V/F Herentals 16 5 6 5 12 10 21
Megawatt 16 5 6 5 8 10 21
Bulawayo City 14 5 4 5 15 14 19
Eagle Life 16 5 4 7 12 17 19
Z/Revolution 16 6 1 9 18 31 19
Imbizo 16 4 5 7 10 18 17
Jordan 16 2 4 10 8 25 10
NUST 16 2 3 11 5 22 9
Ajax Hotspurs 15 2 2 11 6 26 8
