daniel chigunwe
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND president Scott Sakupwanya says his men can now pop the champagne after their Premiership status was confirmed by the ZIFA Appeals Committee yesterday.
The Appeals Committee dismissed the appeal by Karoi United and upheld the decision by the Northern Region to award the abandoned game to Scottland on a 3-0 scoreline.
Karoi were once again found guilty of causing the abandonment of their match against Scottland at Chikangwe on September 15.
“We always knew we were the champions but now we can celebrate properly,” Sakupwanya said.
NRSL chairman Martin Kweza and his leadership, who had crowned Scottland as the champions, said the outcome vindicated their decision.
“This judgement is a vindication of our disciplinary committee. We are of the firm belief that the decision is in line with all known football Rules and Regulations and in the spirit of Fair Play.
“We hope that this will bring closure to the issue and that henceforth our members and stakeholders will move forward and prepare for the forthcoming season.
“We thank you all for your patience and understanding during this entire process.” said the NRSL in a statement.
ZIFA chief executive, Yvonne Manwa, said the full text of the judgement is expected to be released today.
The case had somehow put a damper to Scottland’s celebrations after securing an historic title, sealing promotion in their maiden season.
They can now breathe some fresh air and go ahead with their 2025 plans in which they will be playing in the Premier Soccer League.
Some of the Scottland fans immediately took to social media to suggest that the afternoon rains, which came out just as Finance Minister Mtuli Ncube had just completed his budget statement in parliament, was a good omen.
One of the highlights of that budget was a proposal by the Minister to charge a 10 percent withholding tax on all winnings from betting, which the fans felt was another dent to Scottland’s title rivals MWOS.
MWOS’ principal sponsors are in the sports betting industry.
Online Reporter