Story by Mthokozisi Dube
PREMIER Soccer League (PSL) administrators have lauded the corporate world and local authorities for coming to rescue of the league that faced a crisis at the beginning of the season.
At the onset of the league, Harare-based teams were the hardest hit by a stadium crisis alongside returnees Hwange, new boys Chegutu Pirates, ZPC Kariba, Green Fuel and Telone as the country faced a stadium crisis which would later on resurface on the international stage.
Corporates and local authorities however came on board to make sure the facilities meet the minimum requirements resulting in the homologation of some venues by authorities.
The Premier Soccer league was at a catch 22 situation.
PSL Chief Executive Officer Kennedy Ndebele said, “From an administrative point of view, we are happy with the progress. We planned to start our season in March-April and end it before the onset of the rainy season. We had our competitions starring with the Castle Challenge Cup and the main competitions and lastly the Chibuku Super Cup. We had 306 matches played in the Castle Lager Premiership and we then had our awards which took place on Friday. So generally, we are happy with the way we ran our league. On the positive note, you will notice that corporates have come on board over the last five to ten years and made sure that the stadiums meet the minimum requirements, although we have a bigger problem on the international stage.”
The league authorities also admitted match officials erred in some games and will then have an all stakeholders meeting to avoid future incidences.
“Let me state this clearly. referees belong to the mother association ZIFA and have their own committee which is responsible for assigning referees. As PSL, we do not interfere with who handles this match . Aggrieved teams know the proper protocol. We have had some incidences and we will meet to review and chat a way forward with ZIFA and referees,” Ndebele added
On a positive note the premier league managed to take football to different parts of the country.
