admin
Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Saints have given up on prospects of returning to the Zifa Southern Region Division One League this season.
Chikwata were booted out of the league last month after they failed to pay a debt owed to Zifa.The decision was finalised at the meeting held at the Zimbabwe Saints Clubhouse in Queens Park East on Saturday.
Chikwata said Zifa were reluctant to give them their bank accounts so that they deposit the money they owe and this year’s affiliation fees, effectively confirming their fate.
“We have people, who want to pay our debts but because we don’t have proper structures they had requested for Zifa bank accounts. But they (Zifa) are mum on that, so we have resolved to get our house in order first and start afresh next season,” said Tendai Nyandoro, a committee member.
Nyandoro said the only possible way back is to buy a franchise next season, as they have already started strategising on the way forward.
“We have already started to map the way forward for next season, the new committee that has been set up will look for sponsors and trustees to finance our club. We have to buy a franchise to come back, it will be a surprise, we are working on that,” said Nyandoro.
Gibson Homela is chairman of the steering committee which includes club legend Ebson “Sugar” Muguyo, Nyandoro, Caleb Sengu, Jabulani Chinyakarara and Zebron Magorimbo.
Saints owe Zifa about $6,000 in affiliation and registration fees with some of the debt having accrued over the past few seasons.
Chikwata are one of the oldest clubs in Zimbabwe. They were established in 1931 and won the league titles in 1977 and 1988.
They also won the Independence Cup twice in 1989 and 1998 and the FA Cup three times in 1977, 1979 and 1987. They were Chibuku Trophy winners in 1976 and 1988.
Famous for its youth development programme, the club has been home to some of the finest footballers to ever grace Zimbabwe stadia such as Joseph Machingura, Agent Sawu, Muzondiwa Mugadza, Ronald Sibanda, Henry McKop, Ephraim Chawanda, Andrew Kadengu, Homela, John Sibanda, Muguyo and the late Obey Sova and William Sibanda.
Saints have been a feature in Zimbabwe football and are the second most successful club in Bulawayo after Highlanders in the last 40 years .
derick.khumalo