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Kenny Ndebele

Grace Chingoma Harare Bureau
THE Premier Soccer League are concerned about the quality of the teams coming from Division One after three of the four sides promoted this year were demoted at the conclusion of the just-ended season. Dongo Sawmill, Whawha and Flame Lily were in the relegation zone from the start of the season to the finish and were eventually relegated together with Buffaloes.

Only Tsholotsho survived the heat but also needed a last day escape tale. PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele said he was worried by the trend which appeared to be a repeat of last season when Chiredzi and Bantu Rovers faced the chop after only one season.

“These newly promoted teams struggled and in a way it showed the gap between the Premiership and the regional leagues. “The teams that are coming into the league next year should pull up their socks,” said Ndebele. Chicken Inn were crowned champions after finishing on 61 points.

The Gamecocks broke the four-year dominance by Harare giants Dynamos who finished in second place, four points behind. Ndebele said the league was encouraged by the faith shown in them by the principal sponsor Delta Beverages, through their brands Castle Lager and Chibuku Super, and NetOne who also continued with the tournament for the top eight teams.

“Generally, it’s been a good season and we’re thankful to our sponsors who continued to support us despite the harsh economic environment. “The problem is we always tend to compare ourselves with South Africa or England in terms of sponsorship but we forget that we’re operating in different environments.

“But I’m confident enough that the trust that we’ve created with the corporate world will continue into the years to come. I’m sure we should secure two more sponsorship deals come next year,” said Ndebele.

The league boss, however, said this year attendance figures dropped. The poor attendances have largely been attributed to the declining standards in the league and the harsh economic climate. Ndebele, however, said there were a number of factors, which include the counter attraction now offered by the English Premiership.

“Quality wise, it might not be the best but I think we faced real competition from the English Premiership. “Some of their games were being played almost the same time as our domestic matches and honestly we can’t run away from the fact that people’s loyalty will be greatly divided when you’ve the likes of Manchester United playing,” said Ndebele.