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Lovemore Zigara Midlands Sports Correspondent
THE Zifa Central Soccer League has expelled three clubs for failing to pay their affiliation fees on time, a development which has delayed the kick off of the league.Zifa Midlands Division 2A champions, Gweru United, Unicem from Gwanda and Mwenezi-based FC Maranda have been dropped from the league, leaving 16 teams.

League chairman, Felton Kamambo confirmed the development and said the league will now kick off on the weekend April 11-12.

“We had made arrangements for an 18-team league but from the look of things we will settle for 16 teams. Some teams were not forthcoming in terms of paying their affiliation fees hence the board took a decision to expel them.

“Gweru United, FC Maranda and Unicem have been expelled and as a result the kick off dates have been moved from April 4 to April 11 to allow  time to work out a new fixtures list,” he said.

Zesa Gweru has taken one of the slots left by one of the three teams which will bring the number of teams to 16.

There are however, threats to the league as some teams that paid affiliation fees are contemplating withdrawing as they fear they will not be able to meet costs involved.

In particular former Premiership side, Shabanie Mine and fellow neighbours Zvishavane Stars are still considering  whether or not to take part in this year’s campaign despite settling their affiliation fees in full.

Shabanie Mashava Mines the principal sponsors of the Chinda Boys have indicated that they will not be able to foot the team’s bill on their own hence they have  asked the community to assist.