Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
BULAWAYO Chiefs find themselves in trouble over Anesu Saiti’s controversial registration, with a ZIFA Southern Region board member publicly questioning the legality of the striker’s move.
Khumbulani Mbano, Hwange FC administrator and Southern Region board member, wrote to the regional body on Tuesday, claiming Chiefs used Saiti illegally after he moved from Bulawayo City mid-season. The letter comes a week after Nkayi United raised similar concerns.
“The player played for Bulawayo City during the first 12 games of the season before turning out for Bulawayo Chiefs from Week 13. He was on loan from Black Mambas and cleared by his parent club, but Bulawayo City did not issue the required clearance letter,” Mbano stated.
Hwange argue that under Article 18.1 of ZIFA’s Rules and Regulations, a clearance from the player’s last club is mandatory to validate registration. They are calling on authorities to investigate and apply sanctions if the rules were breached, warning that the league’s credibility is at stake.
ZIFA Southern Region spokesperson Blessing Mbwanda said the matter is sub judice and under the disciplinary committee’s review.
Chiefs, currently top of the log, face potential fallout if the investigation finds irregularities, while Hwange sit second and Nkayi United third.
Observers note that FIFA and ZIFA have strict transfer windows, which are not influenced by the season’s halfway mark, meaning any mid-season moves must comply fully with regulations.
The saga promises to keep the Southern Region football scene buzzing in the run-up to the league’s second half.
Bongani Ndlovu