ZRP Beitbridge pull out of CSL

ZRP Beitbridge are the third side to pull out of the Zifa Central Soccer League (CSL) after their entire executive and 15 players were transferred from the border town recently.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) redeployed about 500 officers who were stationed at Beitbridge, a move that left the club, which mainly comprises members of the police force, in a quandary.

The pulling out of the border town outfit follows that of NM Academy and Habane Sharks from the same league earlier during the season. ZRP Beitbridge secretary Russell Majuta confirmed the club’s exit from the league.

“The transfers which were done mean that our club is now defunct. Everyone was moved from Beitbridge District to various stations across the country and about 15 police players were affected and all the executive members were also not spared,” he said.

“The club was not receiving funds from the ZRP and was entirely depending on contributions by executive members and members of the public.

“Therefore, with these challenges we have been left with no option but to withdraw our membership from the CSL,” added Majuta.

He said the club has written to the league management advising them of the developments. Contacted for comment, league chairman Stanley Chapeta said there were yet to receive official communication from the club.

“I am yet to receive the correspondence. I am sure the secretariat will furnish us with the details when they receive the letter but if it is true it is sad for the league and football at large,” said Chapeta.

The pulling out of ZRP Beitbridge means that their league encounter against Nichrut at Dulivhadzimu that was scheduled for today will not go ahead.

After ZRP Beitbridge fulfilled more than half of their matches, the league management might award all the 15 teams in the league three points on a three nil score line.