adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ZPC Kariba have officially joined the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after paying affiliation fees yesterday. The power utility outfit had twice asked the league to give them more time to sort out their house with latest deadline being 5PM yesterday. PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele said they had not seen proof of payment by the club but would take their word that they had deposited the money.
“At the moment I have not seen any proof of payment but they have just phoned us confirming their membership with us. We will take their word,” said Ndebele yesterday.
Zesa spokesperson, Fadzai Chisveto confirmed to Chronicle Sport last night that the electricity boys will be playing in the topflight league and revealed that they needed to put their house in order first hence the delay.
“We are playing in the Premier League. The club has just paid, in full its affiliation fees to the league and will be submitting our registration papers first thing in the morning tomorrow (today),” said Chisveto.
On why they delayed yet they knew of their status well before end of the year last year, Chisveto said they were trying to put their house in order.
“As a new kid we had to present a clean image of ourselves. We were still trying to consult and put everything in order in terms of our papers and all the requirements but I am happy that we have finally finished the paperwork,” she said.
Sources within the new club however said the absence of a board at Zesa Holdings was the main reason why there was so much confusion as management was reluctant to append their signatures of consent.
The club also failed to send a representative for the recent PSL elections that saw incumbent president Twine Phiri garnering 12 votes to his challenger Kenny Mubaiwa’s two.
Meanwhile, Chisveto said the team will, in the meantime use Gwanzura Stadium in Harare as their home ground while they await the renovations at Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba to end.
“By end of next month the team should be able to relocate back home as renovations would have ended so coming to Harare is not really abandoning our loyal supporters,” she said.
Coached by Saul Chaminuka, ZPC Kariba could get a rude initiation to the elite league that will see them play against kings of the capital in their first two games with rising Harare City coming on week three.
They open their account with a date against Caps United before meeting reigning champions Dynamos.
Online Reporter