Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube and Innocent Kurira
GOLDEN Lions and Zimbabwe Saints, both shocked casualties at the Zifa Southern Region League’s annual general meeting (AGM) held in Umzingwane on Saturday, have launched formal appeals against their dramatic exclusion from this year’s championship.
The two clubs were expelled for failing to settle the mandatory annual registration and affiliation fees amounting to US$2 500 by the prescribed deadline. The decision was sealed at the AGM where it was resolved that the 2025 league season would proceed with 18 clubs — without Saints and Golden Lions.
Zifa Southern Region spokesperson Blessing Mbwanda, confirmed the development, stating:
“The teams failed to pay their affiliation fees in time, which is crucial for player registration through the Fifa Connect system. With the registration window now closed, they can no longer be part of the season.”
The league’s affiliation fee, pegged at US$2 500, enables clubs to register players and participate in league activities.
However, Saints and Golden Lions insist the decision to exclude them was not only harsh but politically motivated.
In their appeals to the Zifa executive committee, both clubs claim they are victims of a personal vendetta and have accused some regional board members of complicity in orchestrating their ouster.
Zimbabwe Saints, a club with a rich legacy in Zimbabwean football, did not hold back in their written submission to Zifa, where they alleged that chairman Lloyd Munhanga was using his position to settle personal scores. According to Saints, Munhanga was unhappy about internal changes at the club, including the elevation of his former deputy to the chairmanship.
“We have been victimised out of the league because the chairman did not like the fact that his tenure ended on December 31, 2024. His deputy was elevated to the chairmanship of the club,” reads part of the appeal.
Saints had managed to register 12 players and had already cleared US$700 of their outstanding fees, leaving a balance of US$500, which they now claim has been paid. Despite this, their slot was handed over to Bulawayo Warriors, a team previously known for playing in social leagues.
Club official Tawanda Ruzive, lamented the fallout, saying that as many as 35 people — including players and staff — stood to lose their jobs if the club was not reinstated.
“It’s heart-breaking. Saints are not just a football team; they are a football institution in Bulawayo. This decision affects livelihoods and the development of local football.”
Golden Lions director, Khima Sibanda also slammed the move, questioning how a team could be expelled from a league they were technically never admitted into.
“How do we get expelled from a League that we have not been admitted to? We live in a city where the League vice chairman has a team in the same League and does not want competition. This is now compromising Zifa’s Fair Play philosophy and ultimately marginalising the Matabeleland North football family,” Sibanda charged.
His comments were a thinly veiled dig at Zifa Southern Region vice chairman Tafadzwa Mutowa, who is linked to Herentals Victoria Falls United — reportedly one of Golden Lions’ fiercest rivals.
With the old guard out, Imbizo and Bulawayo Warriors have been welcomed into the league, having met the required entry conditions.
Meanwhile, Megawatt FC, a new entrant, will make its debut after acquiring the franchise rights from Adachi.
In a major boost for the league, Khumbulani Mbano, the board member responsible for marketing, revealed that Herentals College had pledged US$10 000 to fund monthly awards for individual players, including a golden boot prize for the top goal scorer.
Even more promising, a liquor company is said to have offered US$200 000 to sponsor the league — now set for a rebranding ahead of the new season. A large portion of this sponsorship will go toward covering referees’ fees, easing financial pressure on clubs.
Amid ongoing efforts to clean up the game, the chairman of the referees’ desk addressed concerns over officiating standards and promised decisive action against any suspected cases of match-fixing.
“We are committed to restoring trust in our match officials and will not tolerate any form of dishonesty,” he assured delegates at the AGM.
The AGM drew participation from 20 clubs and there are: Arenel Movers FC, Victoria Falls Herentals, Bosso 90, Mainline, Casymn, Talen Vision, Nkayi, Bulawayo Warriors, Imbizo, Indlovu Iyanyathela, Hardrock, Megawatt, Hwange, Zebras Revolution, Jordan Sinnott, Bulawayo Chiefs and Bulawayo City. Interestingly, both Saints and Golden Lions were also present—despite being under threat of exclusion.
The league kicks off on April 12, 2025, with fixtures set to be drawn on April 8 at the Zifa offices. A Facilities Inspection Board (FIB) is expected to conduct ground checks this week to ensure all venues meet minimum standards.
Despite the controversy, Zifa Southern Region is upbeat about a refreshed season — one that promises high stakes, new faces, and a battle for redemption off the pitch as well.
