Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
TITLE-chasing Zifa Southern Region Division One outfit Nkayi United have raised a storm after filing a formal protest against Bulawayo Chiefs, accusing them of fielding an ineligible player, striker Anesu Saiti.
The talented forward, who once turned out for Black Mambas and Bulawayo City, has become the centre of controversy after allegedly playing for two clubs within the same half of the season.
Nkayi United claim that Saiti was initially on loan at Bulawayo City from Black Mambas before the Northern Region side moved him to Bulawayo Chiefs during the second transfer window which ran from 1 to 30 July.
In a strongly worded letter to Zifa Southern Region, Nkayi United allege that Bulawayo Chiefs fielded Saiti before he was eligible to play under league rules.
“The second half of the season only started on 9 August 2025, meaning new signings were only cleared to play from that date. Despite this, Bulawayo Chiefs fielded Anesu Saiti in several fixtures,” reads the letter.
Nkayi United listed the matches where they say Saiti featured for Chiefs, including:
• 5 July vs Hwange FC
• 11 July vs Bulawayo City FC
• 16 July vs Jordan FC
• 19 July vs Blackrock FC
• 26 July vs Zebra Revolution FC
The Nkayi side also pointed out that Saiti played for Bulawayo City against Hwange FC earlier in the season, then faced the same team again under a different badge — something they say violates Zifa’s player eligibility rules.
Club official Tedius Ngwenya confirmed the protest, saying his team wanted the matter handled “fairly and transparently.”
“It’s rare to see a player featuring for two different clubs within the same half of the campaign. That’s why we wrote to Zifa to seek clarity,” said Ngwenya.
If proven guilty, Bulawayo Chiefs could face stiff penalties which may include forfeiture of points from the matches in question.
The controversy has stirred debate among Division One followers, with some accusing certain clubs of exploiting registration loopholes to gain an unfair advantage.
Zifa Southern Region chairman Lloyd Munhanga referred (inquiries to the association’s spokesperson Blessing Mbwanda, who said the matter was receiving attention from the competitions department.
“The complaint has been received and will be handled according to procedure,” Mbwanda said. “Once investigations are complete, we will communicate our findings.”
