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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA’S board is expected to deliberate on the National League when they convene in Harare today.
The national football mother body had set February 1 as deadline for clubs set to be part of the inaugural National League to confirm their status, after which Zifa will advise on progression of the league which will be a feeder to the topflight.
Zifa had resolved to fulfill the constitutional requirement of having a national second tier league with effect from this season while keeping the four Regional Division One leagues. Sources said there has been an overwhelming inquiry about the National League, whose implementation Zifa says is part of fulfilling constitutional requirements, but the regions through their chairpersons are against the introduction of the National League which they propose should come in 2024.
The proposal for setting up of the National League is crafted in a way that each of the four regions – Central, Eastern, Northern and Southern – are supposed to send four clubs, with the four teams that were relegated from the Premier Soccer League in the 201/22 season joining in to complete the 16-team league.
Impeccable sources said the regions want the National League introduction to be discussed at a congress where Zifa must avail all the necessary information which may include relegation and promotion so as to avoid chaos. The regions are also keen to know on the funding of the National League among other issues.
“Regions feel that the creation and admission of the National League has a huge bearing on the current structures which have served our football well and the continued existence of these lower leagues must be of paramount importance to the leadership.
While they (regions) concur that the National League is a noble development for Zimbabwean soccer, they say most clubs in their jurisdiction have passed budgets for the 2023 season and will need time to prepare hence their suggestion that the National League start be pushed to 2024,” said the source.
Invites for National League had been sent out with Chronicle Sports reliably informed that army side Indlovu Iyanyathela, Talen Vision, Arenel and ZPC Hwange had submitted their names from the Southern Region.
The top four teams that were expected to join from the central region were TelOne, Vubachikwe, Chapungu and Dulibadzimu, while Mutare City Rovers, Masvingo United, Chiredzi United and Renco Mine were expected to join from the eastern region.
The Northern Region’s Herentals Under-20, Golden Eagles, Black Mambas and Ngezi Platinum Stars Under-19 finished in the top five last season.
Local authority bankrolled sides Harare City and Bulawayo City as well as Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services funded Tenax and Whawha were relegated from the topflight last year were expected to complete National League teams.
But now with regions reportedly said to have objected to the launch of the National League this season, Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said: “It is after the board meeting set for Friday where the football stakeholders will get a briefing on the National League.”
He could not be drawn into commenting on the communication from the regions which was reportedly signed by Northern Region’s Sweeney Mushonga, Patrick Hill (Central region), Davison Muchena (Eastern Region) and Andrew Tapela who had his mandate as Southern Region chairperson revoked by clubs. Tapela has been steadfast, refusing to acknowledge the clubs’ December resolution which he alleges was unconstitutional. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter