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Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOOTBALL development in Matabeleland North Province is set for massive transformation, thanks to a landmark partnership deal between Norton-based side MWOS and ZPC Hwange.
The partnership, which was sealed yesterday, will see MWOS advancing to the Premier Soccer League while ZPC Hwange will remain in the Southern Region lower league with a revised mandate of scouting and nurturing talent from Hwange and surrounding areas.
ZPC Hwange had clinched the Premiership ticket from the Southern Region last season, but cannot play in the top flight because their sister club, ZPC Kariba, also compete in the same division.
This is in line with club Licensing statutes, which local football has somewhat belatedly started implementing to the letter.
Part of those regulations governing professional football leagues does not allow clubs with the same ownership to compete in the same division.
Faced with that situation, ZPC Hwange approached a number of potential suitors before finally settling for MWOS yesterday.
Ambitious MWOS has always aimed at playing in the Premier League in 2025.
They finished a close second, behind champions Scottland, in last year’s Northern Region Soccer League race that had to be settled via the boardroom.
In a joint statement signed by MWOS chairman Clayton Arimoso and ZPC Hwange secretary Mehuli Thebe, the new partners said the development would reshape football development across Zimbabwe.
“MWOS FC and ZPC Hwange FC are pleased to advise all stakeholders that they have entered into a landmark partnership that will reshape football development across Zimbabwe.
“Through this innovative arrangement, MWOS FC will advance to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for the 2025 season while ZPC Hwange focuses on grassroots football development in the Southern Region,” read the statement.
The partnership also presents a chance for ZPC Hwange players to graduate into the PSL via MWOS FC.
“The partnership represents a new model for football development in Zimbabwe, which combines MWOS FC’s resources and technical expertise with ZPC Hwange competencies and strong community roots, thereby creating opportunities that benefit both clubs and Zimbabwean football as a whole.
“The collaboration will allow ZPC Hwange FC to nurture grassroots football in the Hwange region, thereby grooming talent for the Premier Soccer League.
“This partnership also includes financial capacitation of ZPC Hwange FC to compete in the region, a special recognition programme for ZPC Hwange FC’s successful 2024 squad, and investment in youth football development programmes.”
The deal will also see MWOS financing youth development programs and facility improvements in Hwange, “thereby creating more opportunities for young talent in our community.”
The development has excited football fans who are bracing for a continuation of the rivalry between Scottland and MWOS, albeit on the Premiership stage.
The two sides took the 2024 Northern Region Soccer League race to the wire before “Mabviravira, as Scottland are affectionately known, pipped MWOS, “The Punters, via a boardroom decision.
All that seems to be water under the bridge now, as MWOS are now expected to raid the transfer market as part of Lloyd Mutasa’s preparations for the tougher test that the Premiership provides.
They will be boosted by some players from ZPC Hwange.
MWOS are also keen to ensure ZPC Hwange remains competitive.
“Moreover, MWOS will undertake facility enhancement initiatives, technical development support, new kit sponsorship for ZPC Hwange FC teams, and corporate social investment initiatives in the Hwange environs,” the two clubs said.
Online Reporter