Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
The MCM Estate Northern Regional League Division 1 has insisted on a strict pay-first approach policy for all new clubs ahead of the new season.
League chairman, Sweeney Mushonga, confirmed the position.
The move comes as a direct response to years of systemic issues that have compromised the competition’s integrity.
“In the past, we have given newly-promoted clubs the benefit of doubt that they would honour their obligations during the course of the season.
“Sadly, we have seen these clubs failing to pay these foundational fees and becoming a problem for the entire structure.
“They often faced insolvency, forced relegation due to financial collapse, or struggled to complete fixtures, which severely devalued the competition.”
No club will be permitted to participate in fixtures or draws until its affiliation fee is secured by the league.
A total of six new teams are expected to be part of the league this season and they have all paid their affiliation and subscription fees in full.
“Securing this revenue first is our absolute priority, it’s the cornerstone upon which we intend to launch a competitive 2026 season,” said Mushonga.
“We are turning right onto the avenue of sustainability before we can map out the rest of the journey.
“This is the non-negotiable first step.”
The league administration indicates that all they are worried about is the guarantee that teams will be abreast with core functions, including guaranteed referee payments, fixture coordination, and league marketing.
The goal is to ensure that on-field performance, not financial survival, dictates a club’s fate.
“In the past we had teams playing league matches without paying affiliation fees as they presented seemingly tenable payment plans.
“In the majority of cases where the league accepted these payment plans, and allowed the clubs to participate in the league, the clubs failed to make good on the tendered plans and some have gone on to be relegated.
“That’s the case with DZ Royals, CCLEE Mhangura and Norton Community, and these remain on our debtors’ book to this day.
“Now at this moment we can’t continue taking in teams who show incapacity.
“And of those that were promoted this season we had a case with Chingwere from Mashonaland West, they failed to meet the deadlines and had to be replaced in liaison with the responsible authorities in Mashonaland West whereupon Marere FC was eventually accepted into the league,” said Mushonga.
