teams or less for effective management and scheduling of competitions,” said Denis Tshuma, the Zifa Matabeleland North chairman.
Previously Matabeleland North had two leagues. One of the leagues used to cater for teams from Hwange and Victoria Falls while the other accommodated teams mainly from Dete and surrounding areas up to Binga.
The teams from Mguza, Lupane, Tsholotsho and Nkayi used not to participate in the provincial leagues.
Bulawayo and Matabeleland North were asked to provide one team into the Southern Region Division One. This forced them to combine their leagues as having two divisions compromised quality with teams from the leagues not having the staying power in Division One.
Southern Region Division One boss Morgan ‘Gazza’ Dube said having one team promoted from each province would ensure that the best gets to play in Division One.
Provincial representatives who happen to be councillors of the regional assembly had sought to retain their two seats each in Division One. He said only winners would be admitted to allow the best to rub shoulders in a higher league.
Tshuma said the problem with having a 20-team league was that most of the clubs were funded by individuals and hence could not manage the travel expenses.
“Our clubs and league are reeling from lack of sponsorship. They need to travel and when playing at home they have to pay $70 for referees which is too much for them.
“Our previous set up of two leagues saw clubs use little and I am afraid some clubs might collapse because of the increased costs as a result of the expanded league. We have no option but to co-operate with the rest of the soccer family,” said Tshuma.
In another development, Tshuma said he would work on the establishment of four Division Three leagues.
“We would like to have a cluster of four leagues for Division Three teams so that these can provide teams to our Division Two League. We would in a way be spreading Zifa activities throughout the province. How this is going to work is subject to co-operation from stakeholders in our districts of Binga, Hwange, Tsholotsho, Nkayi, Mguza, Lupane and Bubi,” said Tshuma.

You Might Also Like

Comments