Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League roars back to life this March, with debutants FC Hunters expected to bring a fresh spark to the top flight. The Marondera-based side arrives with significant fanfare, fuelled by the vibrant Division One crowds that propelled them to promotion.
However, the celebrations are already beginning to fade as a harsh reality threatens their top-flight dream.
Their home ground, Marondera City Council’s Rudhaka Stadium, fails to meet Premier League standards, and currently, there are no plans for an upgrade.
This leaves the club facing a difficult compromise: Ngoni Stadium or Sakubva.
Both venues are located far from Marondera, a move that would strip Hunters of any genuine home advantage and turn every fixture into a costly away day.
The financial implications are staggering, with the season’s costs estimated at approximately US$900 000.
Without a secured sponsor, their leap into the elite league is in danger of collapsing before a ball is even kicked.
A source close to the club laid bare the escalating crisis to Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“We are desperately seeking partners and sponsors. Rudhaka’s failure means no PSL football will be played in Marondera.
“We are scrambling for alternatives, and the congestion at other grounds is severe. It’s the reason for our choice, but the challenge is immense.”
Unless there is a rapid shift in fortunes, the early euphoria in Marondera will have drained away long before the opening whistle.
“The club understands the consequences of going in a full blown season with these consequences. It needs the resources and the club alone won’t match the requisite. It simply means if anything comes into play in the coming weeks the dream lives on but if it fails then it’s likely a dream shattered.”
The warning signs are no longer subtle: Hunters must either land a sponsorship deal or forfeit their place in the top flight. Despite the uncertainty, the club has not frozen. Maintaining a low profile, they have continued with their preparations.
“The club has engaged a South Africa-based coach, who will bring a lot of experience to the club.
His move will sanction the arrival of other foreign based players to form a formidable side. So everything else is in place, the only question that will be answered in the coming few weeks is either will they find proper sponsorship or not?”
