Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sunday News Reporter
ARENEL Movers Football Club president Handsome Ncube is confident the side will play in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) next season despite rumours the club may not have the financial resources to compete.
Recent reports that the club owes players salaries had fuelled the fears. Players have only been receiving winning bonuses. Arenel were crowned Zifa Southern Region Division One champions at White City Stadium yesterday with the team being handed their winners shield and medals after their 1-0 victory over Adachi.
In an interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub, Ncube said Arenel will be playing in the top-flight league.
“After this match we will expect everyone in every department to present their report. There after we will have a review meeting whereby we will review our season, then have our strategic planning workshop going forward. What l can say is we are prepared to play in the PSL. We will see how best we can fund the team,” said Ncube.
Asked on the non-payment of salaries, he proffesed ignorance on the matter.
“It’s not to my knowledge. The news has not reached my desk. I will check with the treasurer. It was our plan to get promoted last year. Unfortunately that did not happen. This time around we can safely say we made some corrections. We managed to wrap up the championship with four games to go. We are excited as the Arenel family. Obviously, the Premier League is a big step, it’s going to be hard financially and in terms of the competition itself. We know it’s going to be tough but we can safely say we are ready to compete with the big guys,” said Ncube.
Arenel coach Kudzai Mhandire was over the moon.
“We are happy as the Arenel family. It’s been quite a journey. You don’t win the league with one match so it has been a long journey and we are grateful to be rewarded for our efforts,” said Mhandire.
Arenel won the league with four games to spare and are now targeting to finish the season
with two games to the end of the season.
— @innocentskizoe
Bongani Ndlovu