Midlands Correspondent
ASPIRING Zifa Central Soccer League (CSL) chairman Patrick Hokonya has upped the ante by bankrolling the Zifa Midlands Division Two awards through his gas company Megaz.
Megaz has also pledged to sponsor the Division Two league’s awards ceremony and individual awards in the 2016 season.
Hokonya presented provincial champions Todal Mine with medals and a shield, while Nkayi United were also presented with the runners-up medals. The two clubs have been promoted into the CSL.
Hokonya said it was prudent for his company to bankroll football as he was a football person.
“As Megaz, we are operating in the southern region of the country and some of the people that support us are football fans. I’m a football person with a proven track record and I want that track record to replicate itselt in the gas business,” said Hokonya.
“It’s therefore prudent for Megaz to invest in football where our customers are. We are going to sponsor awards, including individual awards, and we are working on a budget for that.”
Meanwhile, Zifa Midlands will revert to the two-league format after abandoning it in 2015 when CSL “poached” some Division Two teams.
Zifa Midlands chairman Brian Chishanga said the Midlands League A will consist of 14 teams from Gweru, Zvishavane, Shurugwi and Mberengwa, while League B will have 11 teams from Gokwe, Silobela and Kwekwe.
“There has been interest from clubs that want to join the league after the exodus of clubs last season. With clubs still showing interest in joining our league, we have decided to revert to the two-league format,” said Chishanga.
“We are encouraging the clubs to settle their affiliation fees to facilitate the licensing of players ahead of the new season, which kicks off on the weekend of April 10-11.” The Zifa Midlands’ annual general meeting also resolved to slash affiliation fees for clubs, which means old clubs will now fork out $400 instead of $500. New clubs will pay $600 compared to $800 in 2015.