PSL demands list of teams

Sport
THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) has requested Zifa to provide them with the list of teams promoted from Division One as they seek to iron out issues to do with stadiums to be used before the Christmas break.

THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) has requested Zifa to provide them with the list of teams promoted from Division One as they seek to iron out issues to do with stadiums to be used before the Christmas break. FORTUNE MBELE SPORTS REPORTER

Tsholotsho FC was promoted from the Zifa Southern Region, but have indicated they will not be playing in Bulawayo despite lack of a standard facility in Tsholotsho, with sources saying they were courting the Hwange local board top use the Colliery Stadium.

Zimbabwe Prison Services-sponsored Whawha FC and Flame Lily won the Central and Northern Region Division One leagues respectively, but their funders have reportedly said they will not be able to sponsor two teams in the top league.

In the Eastern Region, Dongo Sawmills, formerly Buffaloes Junior, won the championship and will be using Vengere Stadium in Rusape.

PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele said they had requested Zifa for an early inspection of stadia.

“We are embarking on an early inspection and we have requested the Zifa grounds committee to travel with our competition department to inspect stadia that will be used by new clubs,” he said.

“This will be done before the Christmas break. Some facilities have areas that need improvement. Inspecting the stadia a week before the start of the games does not give local authorities ample time to rectify areas that need attention.

“We will give them (local authorities) at least two months to fix defects and request them not to overuse the facilities so that grass grows and when the second inspection is conducted in February (next year), there would be some improvement.

“This is for the security of players, fans and officials. We have requested Zifa to provide us with the list of promoted teams. We expect clubs to have lease agreements for the use of stadiums.”

Tsholotsho FC have approached Information and Broadcasting Services minister Jonathan Moyo to assist in the construction of a stadium to meet top-flight standards. Information, Technology and Courier Services minister Supa Mandiwanzira is the patron of Dongo Sawmills.

Ndebele paid tribute to the government for the facelift on Barbourfields, Luveve and White City stadiums.

The three facilities were refurbished for the just-ended Africa Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games.

“We would like to thank the government for the refurbishment of three Bulawayo stadiums, Barbourfields, Luveve and White City.

“Infrastructure in some areas does not help us showcase our products locally and outside,” he said.