adminLovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
ZIFA Central Soccer League outfit Gweru City have protested the admission of Zvishavane into the league.
They believe the club was improperly incorporated into the league.
Zvishavane Stars replaced Town United who were expelled from the league after failing to fulfil three consecutive fixtures.
City were awarded three points after Town United did not show up for their match but were later docked the points after Stars were brought on board.
“Chiwororo” as Gweru City are affectionately known, are arguing that Zvishavane Stars were allowed to join the league when the season had already started which is in violation of the region assembly’s February resolution.
It is the Gweru-based side’s contention that Zvishavane Stars do not have a locus standi to play in the league as they were smuggled in.
City argue that Stars did not buy a franchise to be part of the league or were they part of any Division Two League.
“We as Gweru City Football Club have no objection to the expulsion of the aforementioned Town United Football Club as it was done in accordance with the Zifa statutes and the subsequent loss of points.
“We have a problem with Zvishavane Stars FC which replaced the expelled team as we are not aware of where the club is coming from. We also want to find out if a franchise was bought and when it was done to accommodate the club.
“Please take note that we agreed at our annual general meeting that no team will be allowed or invited to register once the season has commenced. We are now in Week Four and a club has been admitted,” read part of the letter signed by club secretary Malvern Paradza dated May 19, 2014.
The league management in a letter dated May 22, however, contend that the Zvishavane side bought a franchise but did not indicate the club from which they acquired it from.
Part of the letter signed by the league’s board member, Stanley Chapeta reads; “The franchise was bought before the season started but full payment was done on April 22, 2014. Registration of players was guided by the rules and regulations of Zifa and there was no transfer on the registered players.”
Chiwororo have since written back to the league asking for the postponement of the fixture until issues they have raised have been clarified and resolved.
The Gweru side wants the league to furnish them with the franchise transaction acquired by Zvishavane Stars and minutes of relevant meetings.
Chapeta however, said the match would proceed as scheduled.
Online Reporter