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ZIFA Southern Region Division One Soccer League clubs have two weeks to finalise their 2015 season’s squads and have to submit their lists for registration on March 6.Tumediso “Drogba” Mokoena, the league’s board member responsible for administrative issues, said early submission is meant to give the league time to verify documents submitted by clubs so that if there are any irregularities they are attended to before the start of the season on March 21.
He said the development is also meant to ensure that the league gets ample time to process player licences before the season kicks off.
“It was agreed at our annual general meeting on Saturday that our registration deadline be March 6. We’ve had instances in the past when some clubs delay to submit their squads and at the end of the day the office is overwhelmed by work to process licences.
“We want to have a smooth sailing programme and that’s why we’re starting the registration process early. By the time we start, clubs must be having their licences and those that will not be having licences will not be allowed to play. It’s just that simple,” said Mokoena.
Just like the Premier Soccer League, Division One clubs will register 25 senior players and five juniors.
Most clubs in the league are almost done with recruitment and have been involved in friendly matches since the beginning of the month.
“As a league we’re trying to protect players as well because if they’re released late they can’t get employed elsewhere as the window would’ve closed. But if they fail to make the grade and are notified early, they can look for employment elsewhere.
“Already most teams are rounding up their preparations and have been busy with off-season friendly games and those that feel they’re done with recruiting, can start submitting their squads even tomorrow,” said Mokoena.
Meanwhile, the league maintained last season’s affiliation fees with old clubs set to pay $2,500 while newcomers will fork out $3,000.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter