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Midlands Correspondent
THE expanded 2016 Zifa Central Soccer League (CSL) season is set to begin on the first weekend of April with 18 teams in a move that is likely to further strain clubs financially.

CSL acting chairman Patrick Hill said their annual general meeting in Gweru had resolved to increase the number of teams from 15 to 18 and had asked clubs to pay 50 percent of their affiliation fees by February 14. The remainder should be cleared by February 29.

“We want to do this so that we start preparing for the new season which will kick-off on the weekend of April 2 and 3 April,” said Hill.

He said some clubs in Division Two “with potential” would be invited to take up the three open slots and defended the expansion of the league despite some teams pulling out in recent years.

“They did not opt out of their own volition but were ejected for failure to pay affiliation fees.”

Gaths Mine, Zvishavane Stars and Gweru City are among the clubs that pulled out of the league in recent years citing high operational costs. Mvuma Stars were expelled in 2015 for non-payment of affiliation fees.

Affiliation fees for the 2016 season have been pegged at $2,800 for old clubs and $3,250 for new clubs, which include those that will be invited, one promoted from Division Two and Whawha who were relegated from the Premier Soccer League.

Audited financials for 2013, 2014 and 2015 were also tabled at the AGM and an extraordinary general meeting will be called to review and adopt the audited accounts.

“After tabling of the financial reports, it was also agreed that we install an accounting packaging system before the start of the season. This is meant to put some control measures in the way we handle our funds,” Hill said.