Chronicle Editor
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zifa Eastern Region Division One promotion saga finally ended on Friday when Tenax conceded boardroom defeat and resolved to focus on an attempt to win the championship in the 2024 season.
Last week the ERSL re-awarded the controversial match between Grayham and Bikita Minerals to the latter on a 3-0 scoreline.
This meant Bikita Minerals finished top of the 2023 ERSL championship ahead of Tenax, who still had the option of appealing the decision.
“For the purpose of continuity and progress, some issues need a ceasefire. We knew the outcome before the announcement.
“Lessons learnt, geared for the next fight. We remain resolute that football must be won first before individual win. Welcome new season. We are here to play,” said Tenax in a social media post.
Tenax thought they had won the title by one point after beating JM Busha 6-1 on the final day, while Bikita Minerals drew 1-1 at Grayham.
However, Grayham were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player and the match was awarded to Bikita Minerals to give them the league by two points over Tenax.
Tenax argued that, under the rules and regulations governing the league, Grayham were supposed to be docked points without awarding the match to Bikita Minerals.
They then approached the Zifa Normalisation Committee for recourse.
After several weeks, the Zifa Appeals Committee referred the issue back to the Eastern Region Division One League where both sides were affiliated.
The Zifa Appeals Committee noted that the ESRL committee that awarded three points to Bikita was unconstitutional as was Tenax’s complaint over the awarding of points.
Bikita Minerals will now take on Yadah in a midweek fixture on Wednesday at a venue to be advised, while the match they were supposed to play against Herentals last week will now be rescheduled.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo