PSL newboys Arenel rope in Juma Phiri

ARENEL have appointed Juma Phiri as the club administrator and declared they will play Premier Soccer League (PSL) football this season despite rumours suggesting they have no financial resources to compete.

Fears of Arenel’s participation were fuelled by the club’s failure to pay players salaries on time last season.

The club, however, was consistent in giving players winning bonuses throughout their campaign in the Zifa Southern Region Division One league.

Phiri who will from now handle the club’s administration work, boldly stated that the club will compete in the topflight league.

“I can declare to you that we will play Premier League football. What is being said on the streets is just rumours. We are preparing for the topflight league,” said Phiri.

He said they are preparing to meet the professional standards required in the Premier League.

“We are still young in the league but not in football. We are trying to be as professional as we can in our maiden season.

“We are presently setting up structures that will help our team grow. I am bringing in my expertise and also learning the club culture,” said the much travelled Phiri.

A number of their players have attracted interest from other PSL teams but Phiri is confident they will keep the bulk of their players.

“As things stand I am overwhelmed with engaging the players because we don’t want to lose them to other teams. The players did well last season and marketed themselves well but we want to retain the bulk of our squad.

“The goal for us is to survive relegation, football is a game of surprises. We may surprise everyone and finish even in the top four. Our wish is to keep this team in the league forever,” said Phiri.

The club is also expected to make changes to their technical setup. Kudzayi Mhandire who got the team promoted does not have the required paperwork to lead the team hence the need to appoint a new head coach.

Arenel won the league with four games to spare.

Phiri has been sports officer at the Sport and Recreation Commission, Hwange, Mwana Africa, Shangani and club administrator at Chicken Inn, Kwekwe United and Talen Vision.— @innocentskizoe