Mixed reactions over ZPC Hwange and MWOS partnership

Innocent Kurira, [email protected] 

THE recent partnership between ZPC Hwange and MWOS, which has seen the latter secure a place in Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League (PSL), has sparked mixed reactions within the football fraternity. 

While some view the arrangement as a positive move for the development of football in the region, others are vocally against it, raising concerns about fairness and the ownership structure.

The partnership has drawn attention due to the involvement of ZPC, a state-owned enterprise that already owns ZPC Kariba, a team in the PSL.

According to the club licensing regulations, an applicant for a PSL spot must declare the ownership structure and confirm that no individual or entity holds significant control over more than one team in the same competition.

ZPC’s dual ownership of two clubs in the same league appears to violate this rule, as the licensing manual explicitly discourages such arrangements.

Zifa Southern Region spokesperson Blessing Mbwanda acknowledged that the situation was beyond their control, as the partnership between ZPC Hwange and MWOS was largely driven by the two companies. 

ZPC Hwange

“This is a Caf club licensing issue, and unfortunately, things have reached this stage. There were attempts to offer a chance to other clubs such as Hwange, Casmyn, and Nkayi United, but nothing materialised. In the future, our clubs need more education on club licensing so they can understand where they stand when competing,” said Mbwanda.

The decision to grant MWOS a PSL spot has divided fans, with some expressing frustration over the perceived lack of fairness. Zimpapers Sports Hub picked up some of the comments from football lovers in reaction to the story.

Vincent Dube said: “So disappointing, disband that ZPC Hwange, don’t allow them to register and play in the Southern region ever again. They should have partnered with the neighbouring Colliery team, Hwange FC, to keep PSL football in Hwange.”

Khulekani Bhebhe said: “So technically there’s no promoted team from Division One Southern region? Zifa Southern Region must come out and tell us why they are allowing that nonsense. Why did they send the name of ZPC Hwange to the PSL if they knew ZPC Hwange can’t play in the PSL? Teams in Division One must seriously voice their concerns, a team from D1 Southern region must play in the PSL. Promotion to PSL must be fair, those who feel they don’t want to play in the PSL must give the slot to another team in the region”.

Martin Mangwaira said: “Hwange community should have engaged ZPC executive.”

Augustine Hwata also shared his thoughts on the matter.

“My brief on the issue is there is nothing outward about having ZPC Hwange and ZPC Kariba. The two teams have different boards with one being (water power) the other (thermal power). Unless Zesa doesn’t want Hwange then they can donate the franchise to the community and the team plays. Black Rhinos and Cranborne played in the same league 2023 season. Even Chapungu, (they) are ZDF sides, same with Tenax and Hwahwa. ZPC Hwange deserve their place in the PSL.”

Thubelihle Nkomazana feels it was a right move.

“Honestly if you look at the teams in the Southern Region Division One league none of them has the financial capacity to play in the Premiership that is the truth. I hear of regionalism and whatever but the truth is our teams need to get solid sponsorship deals, simple,” said Nkomazana.

The partnership between the two teams promises a substantial financial boost to football development in Hwange.

MWOS has committed between US$100 000 and US$140 000 to the project, which includes the PSL franchise swap, infrastructure development at the Colliery, and funding for youth programmes in the region.

ZPC Hwange players who are deemed capable will be integrated into the MWOS squad, and the team will also hold a pre-season camp in Hwange to scout local talent.

As part of the deal, MWOS plans to renovate the Colliery Stadium, which has been cleared to host PSL matches for just one year, pending renovations. However, the necessary work has yet to be carried out, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the arrangement.

The future of this partnership remains uncertain, and while some are optimistic about its potential to boost football in Hwange, others remain wary of its fairness and implications for the broader football community in Zimbabwe.

In a joint statement, ZPC Hwange and MWOS assured fans that their collaboration would lead to positive changes in the development of football across the country.– @innocentskizoe

 

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