adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
FORGOTTEN former champions Zimbabwe Saints have launched an audacious bid to acquire Zifa Southern Region Division One league side Quelaton’s franchise after failing to win promotion into the first tier last year.
Chikwata, once a football powerhouse in Zimbabwe and credited with churning out talented stars, were kicked out of the Southern Region Division One league in 2014 for non-payment of affiliation fees and moved to Division Two last season.
Among some legends that made their name at Saints are former Warriors’ stars Ephraim Chawanda, Agent Sawu, Henry McKop, John Sibanda, Jimmy Phiri, Misheck Sibanda, Muzondiwa Mugadza, the late Joseph Machingura, Mayor Erick, Mugove Munyorovi, Kudzai Taruvinga and Tobias Sibanda.
Saints found the going tough in Division Two where they finished 13th in 2015.
Saints officials led by Elliot Manduna are said to be negotiating with Quelaton director Tawanda Ruzive for the takeover of the franchise that was recently let go by Nust.
The tertiary institution last week discarded the franchise they had taken over in 2014 after failing to pay $7,000 for its acquisition.
Under the deal, Saints will also inherit the players that have been training with Nust, while Quelaton takes over Saints’ Division Two franchise.
“It’s true that Quelaton have been negotiating with Zimbabwe Saints to takeover our Division One franchise. At this stage I can’t say much because they’re also doing some consultations and once a decision is made, probably in the next seven days, we’ll let everyone know,” said Ruzive.
Saints said they would issue a statement this coming weekend and sources said their lawyers were studying the takeover documents.
“At the moment I can’t comment, but I’ll talk to you at the weekend,” said Manduna.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter