The ManicaPost
Senior Sports Reporter
WELL financed Harare-based teams have over the years used the Zifa Eastern Region Division One as a highway to the top-flight league, but the trend will not be allowed to continue, a Zifa Eastern Region official has said.
Zifa Eastern Region is meant for three provinces that include Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Masvingo, but teams from the capital have often participated in the region, shying away from stiff competition in the Northern Region.
After an eventful 2016 season, Harare side – Yadah Stars – gained promotion into the Premiership albeit under controversial circumstances.
A provisional list of 20 teams that have expressed interest in taking part in the Zifa Eastern Region Division One has since been drawn and now awaits confirmation to be made during the league’s Annual General Meeting next month.
Buffaloes, Mutare City Rovers, Black Eagles, Redwing, Africa Trust, Bikita Minerals, Mucheke Pirates, Masvingo City Dortmund, United Lions, Mwenezana, Renco Mine, Surrey, Mutoko Traders, Prime Rangers, Hartley Academy, Masvingo United, Tenax and Chitungwiza United make up the list of teams that have expressed interest in taking part in the Zifa Eastern Region Division One 2017 season.
The Zifa Eastern Region Division One League 2017 season is expected to start during the second week of April.
Zifa Eastern Region secretary, Simba Wisdom, confirmed that there are 20 teams that have expressed interest in playing in the league, but final confirmation of this year’s participants in the league will only be made at next month’s Annual General Meeting.
“We will not have teams based in Harare for the Zifa Eastern Region Division One League 2017 season.
“We are, however, going to have teams that could be based in Chitungwiza using Chibuku Stadium simply because these teams participate in the Division Two B in Mashonaland East, hence we have no choice, but to accept them when they get promoted into Division One.
“This is the case with Chitungwiza United which we expect to be part of our league this season.
“We will only finalise the list of teams that will take part in the Eastern Region Division One this year after our Annual General Meeting next month.
“Acceptance into the league will also be subject to payment of affiliation fees,” he said.
Wisdom quashed rumours that Northern Region and Harare-based outfit Herentals College will be partaking in the Zifa Eastern Region Division One League 2017 season.
“We have also heard about those rumours.
“I have personally inquired with my colleagues and they are equally in the dark about the source of the rumours.
“The truth is that people talk and some of it is just bar talk.
“Herentals is not coming to play in the Eastern Region,” said Wisdom.
He also confirmed that Zifa Eastern Region Division One League champions for 2016 Yadah Stars will finally receive their championship medals at a function to be held next month although the actual date and venue is yet to be announced.
