adminChikwata were awarded three points with a 3-0 scoreline after their opponents Sao Paulo failed to travel to Bulawayo to fulfil their fixture.
Sources in Victoria Falls told this publication that Sao Paulo were in a bad financial state and if they do not get any deal soon, the club would collapse.
“Things are not looking good for Sao Paulo as they do not have a sponsor. They are running around trying to get something but if they do not clinch a deal now the club will collapse. Actually there won’t be any Division One club in Victoria Falls this season if these guys fail to get something,” said a source.
Sao Paulo is the only team from the resort town that is in the league following relegation of Zambezi Lions and Kujatana Falls United last season.
Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League secretary-general Brian Moyo said his association would decisively deal with any club that does not fulfill their games.
Last season the fine for failing to turn up for fixtures was $500.
“We will continue fining teams that do not fulfill their games. Our rules are clear and the clubs are aware that if they fail to turn up for three consecutive fixtures they will be struck off our league. So, in the interest of football and fair play we urge teams to try and fulfill their games,” Moyo said.
The match between Ntabazinduna Prison and newboys Bulawayo Chiefs was postponed due to unavailability of a match venue.
Bulawayo Chiefs are embroiled in a bitter player wrangle with Emakhandeni Pirates as the former is accused of having engaged 14 contracted players from the latter.
The two teams’ matter has since been taken to the Zifa Player Status Committee as Pirates are arguing that Bulawayo Chiefs fraudulently signed release letters on behalf of the players.
The players embroiled in the wrangle are Israel Mukahanana, Emmanuel Ndebele, Preference Mpofu, Thamsanqa Mpofu, Lucky Nyathi, James Kabiso, Farai Sibanda, Gilbert Tapela, Sijabuliso Simango and Lawrence Mangena.
Simango was Emakhandeni’s captain last season.
Emakhandeni Pirates lost their opening game 1-0 to league debutants Tsholotsho Pirates.
Championship favourites How Mine beat Black Boots 2-1 while New West City were held to a two-all draw by Sizani Fruits and Veg.
In the Hwange derbies, pre-season title hopefuls ZPC Hwange clobbered Projects FC 3-0 on Saturday while Mpumalanga United emerged 2-1 victors in their match against Power Cosmos.
Results
Saturday: ZPC Hwange 3, Projects 0
Sunday: Power Cosmos 1, Mpumalanga 2; Sizani Fruits and Veg 2, New West City 2; Zimbabwe Saints 3, Sao Paulo 0; How Mine 2, Black Boots 1; Emakhandeni Pirates 0, Tsholotsho Pirates 1.
Online Reporter