The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
A STORM is brewing in the Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League (ZWSL) following a controversial decision to expand teams in the top-flight league from 14 to 16.
This flies in the face of a resolution made by clubs last year ahead of the envisaged start of the 2020 season.
However, the league did not begin owing to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
After almost one-and-half years of inactivity, the return of the women’s game is now mired in controversy after the latest move by chairperson Babra Chikosi and her executive, which was not ratified by the ZIFA assembly.
At an annual meeting held in the capital on February 9, 2020, it was agreed that six teams would be relegated, while four teams were promoted, leaving the ZWSL with 12 teams.
The resolutions could not be implemented as the country went into lockdown a month later.
Auckland Queens, Conduit Academy, ZRP Harare Queens and Cyclone Stars were relegated, while Weerams Queens ceased to be a member of the league in 2019 after the financially strapped club failed to fulfil fixtures in the second half of the season.
Barrow Jets FC, Chipembere Queens, Quincy Academy Queens were automatically promoted having finished as champions from their respective regions.
Yadah Queens was also promoted by virtue of being the third-best runners-up.
Champions Black Rhinos Juniors and second-placed Harare City Juniors already had teams in the elite league.
Just as the 2021 season is about to get underway, two of the relegated teams – Conduit Academy and Weerams Queens – have allegedly been controversially handpicked to make up the elite league again.
While Chikosi confirmed that they had resolved to expand the league, the move has since touched off a storm.
She claims the administration of who got promoted or relegated was handled by her deputy, Wilbert Rambanepasi, who, ironically, owns Weerans.
“All is set for the start of the ZWSL on June 19. Teams are already partaking in preparations, which include Covid-19 testing ahead of the start of season.
“Sixteen teams will constitute the ZWSL for the 2021 season. On the issue of relegation and promotion, get in touch with Rambanepasi, who is responsible for the league’s administration,” said Chikosi.
Rambanepasi declined to comment, referring questions back to Chikosi.
“It is against protocol for me to comment when the chairperson is around. You can call the chairperson for a comment.”
The local women’s game got US$500 000 from the FIFA Covid-19 relief fund, which the world soccer governing body availed to member associations to help in resuming the sport.
FIFA indicated that the grants could be directed by member associations to the wider football community in their respective territories, including clubs, players, leagues or others that have been affected by the pandemic.
