No olive branch for axed Division One clubs

Senior Sports Reporter
“The reason being that we are receiving two teams relegated from the Premiership– Dongo and Buffaloes.

THE bottom four teams in the just-ended 2015 Eastern Region Division One season– Gaza Gunners, Black Eagles, ZRP Masvingo and Ruwa Gunners – are likely not to be reinstated to take part in the 2016 season just like what happened last season.

Gunners and Eagles were relegated, but were later reinstated after a shortage of teams hit the league early this year.

Chipinge urban’s sole Division One outfit, Gaza Gunners, Birchenough Bridge-based Black Eagles and Chivhu United were relegated at the end of the 2014 season, but Gunners and Eagles were later reinstated for the 2015 season after a shortage of teams.

The Eastern Region Division One League usually comprises of 18 teams.However, it appears the Shingai Mathabuka-owned Gaza Gunners, Ruwa Gunners and police duo of Black Eagles and ZRP Masvingo will have to partake in provincial Division Two football where they could earn a ticket to return to the more competitive Eastern Region Division One.

The region’s secretary, Simba Wisdom, confirmed that chances are paper thin for the four teams to be invited to partake in the 2016 Eastern Region Division One season.

“It is highly unlikely that the four – Gaza Gunners, Black Eagles, ZRP Masvingo and Ruwa Gunners – will be reinstated to play in Division One again next season. We have relegated them and they will have to sweat it out to get back after one season, if they can.

“The reason being that we are receiving two teams relegated from the Premiership– Dongo and Buffaloes. At the same time we are welcoming the three promoted from the three provincial affiliates. We usually relegate three teams.

“However, Gaza Gunners could be lucky. It remains to be seen whether Dongo Sawmills will play in Division One. If Dongo decides to play, the door is closed for Gaza Gunners,” said Wisdom.

The three teams coming from the three provincial Division Two leagues are Africa Trust (Manicaland), Chivi United (Masvingo) and Calvary (Mashonaland East).

The Zifa Eastern Region comprises of three provinces, Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Masvingo.