adminFormer Lancashire Steel chairman Tendai Hove who will now be vice chairman to Rangarirai Munyaradzi in the new set up, confirmed the development yesterday.
“The two teams Ziscosteel FC and Lancashire Steel FC have merged to form New Zimsteel Football Club which will obviously vie for honours this season in the Division One Central Soccer League.
“Rangarirai Munyaradzi will be the new chairman and I am his vice. Godfrey Tamirepi will be the head coach and Petros Sibanda will be the assistant.
“This development was based on the fact that both clubs are sponsored by one company,” said Hove.
As a developmental move, the new dispensation will retain the second division franchise as New Zimsteel Under-19 and the unveiling ceremony is set for this weekend before a home friendly match.
Both franchises have since been registered for the respective leagues.
Ziscosteel was undoubtedly the oldest surviving soccer club in the Midlands Province with a history of renowned products such as the late Ephraim Dzimbiri, James Takavada and Paul Gundani.
On the other hand Lancashire Steel’s limelight heightened after the famous Madison Trophy win.
Lancashire Steel will also claim its own share in producing soccer stars that include George Magariro, reigning soccer star of the year Washington Arubi and Justice Majabvi.
Meanwhile, only 14 clubs had registered for the 2012 Central Soccer League season with 10 taking up second division slots as of Friday.
In the first division the notable registered teams included Tripple B, New Zimsteel FC, Chapungu, Platinum Under-19, Gokwe Warriors, Silo United, Strikers FC, Tongogara, Midlands State University, Forbes and Thompson, Jessie Mine, Blanket Mine and Chrome Stars.
McInn and FC Glow Petroleum put their franchise on sale but found no takers while two Gweru sides Zimalloys and Gweru Pirates have both folded up.
Online Reporter