Zimpapers Logo

Sports Reporter

HERENTALS have always associated themselves with controversy since their promotion into the Premier Soccer League five years ago.

And in the latest episode, they have shockingly withdrawn their hotly-contested case in which they accused FC Platinum of fielding midfielder Juan Mutudza last season who they claimed was their player.

Herentals insisted that Mutudza, who played a key role in champions FC Platinum’s success story last year had a running contract with them, which lapsed only on November 30, well after the conclusion of the 2021-2022 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.

Mutudza joined FC Platinum at the beginning of last year after a two-year loan spell at Dynamos with the Glamour Boys also fingered in fraudulently clearing the midfielder.

Juan Mutudza in FC Platinum colours

Herentals, through their secretary general Fainos Madhumbu made a follow up with FC Platinum who then made an effort to negotiate with them but the Students refused demanding Mutudza should first be frozen out.

After months of bickering over the player, Herentals finally lodged a formal complaint to the Zifa Player Status Committee.

FC Platinum, Dynamos and Mutudza were summoned last month but the case was twice postponed due to varying reasons.

And after a long wait, the case was supposed to be heard yesterday but Herentals who all along have been crying foul due to the delays shockingly withdrew the matter.

Acting Zifa chief executive officer Xolisani Gwesela confirmed Herentals had withdrawn the matter.

“Herentals have withdrawn the case. It was supposed to be heard today (yesterday) but the complainant (Herentals) withdrew the case,” said Gwesela.

The matter had the potential to see FC Platinum being stripped of their Premiership title should they have been found guilty of fraudulently fielding the player.

Dynamos were docked three points for fielding Edmore Mufema in 2003 after Motor Action proved the player belonged to them when the Glamour Boys played him against Lancashire Steel. Those three points went on to cost the Glamour Boys the championship which was won by the now defunct AmaZulu.