Abel Ndooka
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE promotional race in the Mashonaland West Division Two A and B leagues has taken a twist with clubs now in the dark as to how many teams will be promoted.
The Dereck Matapure-led Mashonaland West Division Two A and B leagues wrote to the clubs notifying them of their intention to have another play-off.
Chegutu-based Berks FC and Chinhoyi Rangers were advised to take part in play-offs last week and they are feeling short-changed as most of their players’ contracts ran out on December 31.
The teams feel that Matapure was not honest about how clubs would earn promotion into the ZIFA Northern Region Division One league for this season.
Matapure said they will stand guided by the Northern Region Soccer League.
“We are yet to get the lead from the Northern Region so that we map the way forward. The teams were notified about the play-offs way before the season ended.
“I think we will get a consensus with the teams involved so that football will be the winner in the end,” he said.
Berks FC chairman, Guy Musviki, said they are feeling short-changed by the developments as they cannot plan for the future.
“We were made to understand that we will be automatically promoted to the ZIFA Northern Region Division One League without going through some play-offs.
“It was only a surprise to be notified last week that we will play against Rangers for the sole ticket to Division One.
“As Berks FC, we have already played against Golden Valley at a neutral venue in Karoi where we won 2-0.
“We thought we had played our part as a team but we are told we have to play another play-off.
“Already we are drained after taking part in 24 league games throughout the season but we are told we have to play in Karoi again on January 11.”
He added:
“We were supposed to be notified on the procedures way before the season came to an end and it is confusing.
‘There was no proper communication from Matapure. We never had an annual meeting in three years and we are wondering how it is possible for the region to be accountable.
“We have since written to the region and they have not responded. We had most of our players’ contracts lapsing on December 31, but we are being told about the issue of play-offs when we have no proper teams.
“Last year there were no issues with Norton Community and CCLEE Mhangura all getting their slots and we don’t understand the changes,” said Masviki.
Online Reporter
