shloboe boe
Lovemore Dube
THE Hwange football community is holding its breath as ZPC Hwange players and management anxiously await a crucial announcement that will determine their fate in the Castle Lager Premiership.
Zesa spokesperson, George Manyaya, fuelled the suspense yesterday by revealing that a factual statement regarding the matter would be made soon.
The uncertainty is palpable for ZPC Hwange, who secured the sole ticket to the Premiership by winning the Zifa Southern Region Division One League.
A denial of their promotion would be a crushing blow, especially after the team’s 35-year wait to claim the title.
Since 1989, ZPC Hwange have endured numerous heart-breaking near-misses.
However, under the guidance of coach Mebelo Njekwa, they finally triumphed last season, winning the Zifa Southern Region Division One championship.
But now, their dreams of top-flight football hang precariously in the balance.
In a statement yesterday, Manyaya said: “Once ready, the team leadership will be making the appropriate and factual announcement.”
A potential conflict of interest has emerged, threatening to derail ZPC Hwange’s promotion.
The club, sponsored by Zesa Holdings, has been advised to confirm its ownership structure due to Fifa licensing rules.
The rules prohibit clubs sponsored by the same organisation from competing in the same league.
ZPC Kariba, also sponsored by Zesa Holdings, already participates in the Premiership, posing a challenge for ZPC Hwange’s promotion.
The club was given until last Friday to clarify its position after seeking internal legal counsel. Amidst the uncertainty, the Hwange Power Station workers’ committee petitioned Zesa Holdings executive chairman, Sydney Gata, to intervene and resolve the matter.
The workers’ committee argued that after 35 years of striving, the team deserved the opportunity to compete in the Premiership.
Gata’s office subsequently referred the matter to the organisation’s legal department for review, focusing on the relevant Fifa provisions.
However, another obstacle has arisen, as Zesa Holdings is reportedly hesitant to sponsor two teams in the Premiership. Mehluli Thebe, ZPC Hwange secretary-general, who has worked tirelessly to secure a Premiership slot for the club, declined to comment on the situation.
“For that one, I have no comment, kindly call our corporate services office, it’s a policy issue,” said Thebe.
Thebe and his executive pulled a joker when appointing Njekwa as coach and former Zimbabwe international and Hwange export, Carrington Gomba, as manager.
But it appears the effort was of no consequence.
The promotion of the club had come as a relief as Hwange FC had just been relegated. This meant there would still be Premiership football in the town.
ZPC Hwange are the third team from Matabeleland North after Chipangano and Tsholotsho to be promoted to the Premiership after Independence.
Despite ZPC Hwange being reluctant to give away the franchise and quoting suitors, Hwange FC have emerged as favourites to take up the slot although there is a feeling that the team that finished second in the league race deserves to be considered.
