No D1 football for Habane Pirates
HABANE Pirates have had their celebrations of being promoted to Division One cut short after Zifa Central Region stated that only one team was being elevated from the Matabeleland South Division Two League.
For a few weeks, there was excitement as the people of Esigodini thought Division One football was headed to their beloved Mpelele Stadium. Habane Pirates, who finished second in the Matabeleland South Division Two League were all along under the impression that they were going up together with champions, Talen Vision Academy.
However, Zifa Central Region chairman, Stanley Chapeta has clarified that only TV Academy, who are based in Filabusi are going up to Division One. Chapeta indicated that Habane Pirates can be promoted if there is any slot available and can buy their way into Division One.
“Only Talen Vision is promoted as it attained the top sport. Habane Pirates will be considered if there are slots and can buy the slot. Promotion is for top sport teams on their respective leagues,’’ Chapeta said.
What gave Habane Pirates the impression that they were getting promoted was because last year, two teams went up from the same league they were playing in, these being The Venue and Filabusi United. Kwekwe Stars, Dulibadzimu, Gokwe North and Real BVM were also promoted.
Chapeta explained that more teams were promoted into CRSL in 2019 so as to bring the number to 18 as required by the constitution. In 2018, the CRSL only had 12 teams.
“That was the decision of the board because we wanted 18 teams in the league. Promotion is for the teams on the top spot and this is constitutional.”
In the event of any slots being available, Chapeta pointed out that they are offered to the runners-up from the Division Two Leagues.
“These are the slots I have been referring to and, in most cases, we would prefer the runners-up provided they meet the requirements of the fitness test and can buy the slot. It will not be automatic,” he said.
United Kingdom based Thembani “Yena” Mpofu, one of the sponsors of Habane Pirates expressed his discontent with the way in which the communication came from Zifa.
“As a club we are extremely disappointed by the manner in which the decision has been communicated to us. It is a pity that we had to wait until two weeks after the season has ended to know that we have not been promoted to D1,” Mpofu said.
Since they now know that they will still be playing
Division Two football, Mpofu said they will put in all the efforts in 2020 to get an upgrade.
“Now that the decision has been made, we will continue working hard with the aim of eventually gaining promotion.”
As expected, Mpofu said the players are upset but he feels that should serve as motivation for them to excel next year.
“Naturally, players are disappointed but we can only hope that this will serve as an incentive for them to perform better next season,” Mpofu said.
Loss Control of Zvishavane, Gokwe based Paramount, TV Academy and The Hurricanes from Kwekwe are the new teams in the CRSL for the 2020 season.
Gokwe North, Black Eagles, The Venue and ZRP Gweru are the teams that were demoted from the Central Region.
Habane Pirates are actually to blame for not getting promoted because they were the top team in the Matabeleland South until they stumbled in their last match. The Archford Hlazo-coached boys from Esigodini drew 1-1 with TV Academy in their penultimate fixture at home before they were beaten 4-0 by Gwanda Delete, which saw them finish in second spot.
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