Bantu-Chiefs in talks

Sport
Bantu Rovers and Plumtree Chiefs are in negotiations to merge into one team that will play in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League this season.

SOUTHERN Region Division One league side Bantu Rovers and newly promoted Plumtree-based Plumtree Chiefs are in negotiations to merge into one team that will play in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League this season.

Thandiwe Moyo Sports Correspondent

Bantu Rovers were relegated in 2010 after poor performance in the league while for Plumtree Chiefs who were formerly known as Bulawayo Chiefs it would be their debut appearance in the PSL.

Chiefs’ chairman Lovemore Sibanda confirmed the development saying talks were underway for the merger.

“I am surprised you are calling me about that. There is no franchise that is being sold. But we are in talks for a merger between the two teams There is a lot that we are still to do and we are still to talk to Zifa about it as well. The franchise is not for sale. We expect to have concluded talks by Monday (tomorrow),” he said.

A source within Bantu Rovers also confirmed that there were talks between the two teams.

“Bantu Rovers and Plumtree Chiefs are in talks for a merger. It seems that talks are going well and the two teams could reach an agreement soon,” said the source.

The Methembe Ndlovu owned Bantu Rovers finished the season third on the log behind Chiefs and Black Boots.

Their debut in the PSL came about after Ndlovu bought the Eastern Lions franchise.

This season Bantu Rovers have been busy on the market acquiring new players to beef up their team and speculation is rife that they might land the signature of Chicken Inn anchor Danny “Deco” Phiri.