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Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zifa Southern Region League is faced with a headache following the demotion of three teams from the Castle Lager Premiership.
Arenel, Bulawayo Chiefs, and Hwange, who were relegated alongside Chegutu Pirates, come from the Southern Region.
Traditionally the regional Division One League relegates four teams and promotes as many drawn from Bulawayo and Matabeleland North provinces.
League spokesperson Blessing Mbwanda confirmed that they were in a quandary.
“We did not expect that we would lose as many as three teams at the end of the season.
The figure is too high for us to accommodate, and this will now affect the number of teams we also relegate,” said Mbwanda.
He said despite a few postponements or walkovers, the season had run smoothly and were looking forward to receiving four teams from Bulawayo and Matabeleland North Provinces.
“While we will be receiving two teams from Matabeleland North and Bulawayo, it is sad that we will relegate as many as seven teams, it is too big a number to relegate in an 18-team league, surely, we are in a quandary. Outside concerns for the League effect, for football, the
region has lost three teams, it is a dent, and we are disappointed over the demotions,” said Mbwanda.
ZPC Hwange were crowned champions in Hwange on Saturday and will be playing in the Premiership next season.
Coach Dalubuhle Bhebhe said the region while counting the losses, it is about time coaches and other practitioners worked together in Bulawayo to protect the gains of yesteryear.
Online Reporter