Quelaton, Nust in partnership talks

Sport
SOUTHERN Region Division One League side Quelaton is in negotiations with the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) football team for a partnership.

SOUTHERN Region Division One League side Quelaton is in negotiations with the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) football team for a partnership.

THANDIWE MOYO SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

The former Premier Soccer League (PSL) side’s director Tawanda Ruzive confirmed the proposed partnership to Southern Eye.

“We have not finalised it, but we are planning a partnership with Nust. Quelaton will still be playing in the league, but they will be joining us for this season,” he said.

He said they were hoping that the negotiations would have been put to rest by tomorrow.

Quelaton were promoted to the PSL in 2012, but played dismally and were relegated the same year winning just three of their 30 matches during the entire season.

“We will have an official stand on the partnership on Tuesday (tomorrow). We are still finalising the deal,” he said.

Early last year Ruzive was reported to have been in talks with teams such a Zimbabwe Saints as he wanted to sell the Quelaton franchise.

Ruzive had cited resources as the main reason he wanted to sell the franchise.

He had also indicated that they were aiming at a 2015 return to the PSL.

Some of the players that were part of Quelaton when they were in top-flight include Mhleli Sibanda, Proud Zireni, Innocent Kutsanzira, Zibusiso Sibanda, Eddy Nkulungo, Gracious Mleya and Timothy January.

They were coached by Thulani Sibanda, Philani “Beefy” Ncube and Farai Sibanda.

Quelaton will be the second team to form a partnership in Bulawayo after Plumtree Chiefs and Bantu Rovers. Chiefs were promoted to the PSL, but merged with Methembe “Mayor” Ndlovu’s Bantu Rovers citing the need to remain sustainable after facing financial challenges.

It has not been easy for football teams financially and in the PSL. Relegated Motor Action and Monomotapa struggled last year, a fate that also affected Gunners, who went under in 2012.

Hardbody were relegated in 2012 after a season’s dance in the PSL as well as Tripple B last year.