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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 upcoming 2024 season.
Last week the ERSL once again 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 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 illegible 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.
Bikita Minerals will now take on Yadah in a midweek fixture on Wednesday at a venue to be advised while last week’s match against Herentals will now be rescheduled.
Online Reporter