ZIFA Eastern Region chairman Fungai Chihuri has said everything was not yet clear pertaining to the Hippo Valley football franchise and believes there is still a lot to be done before the region’s position is made.
BY SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
The newly-promoted Lowveld-based side Hippo Valley was disbanded last year after their sponsor Tongaat Hulett said they were not able to fund two Premiership teams as they also sponsor Triangle.
But the proposed disbandment of the Moses Chunga coached-side took a new twist recently as unions representing Hippo Valley Estates workers threatened to strike to press for Tongaat Hulett to continue financing the team in the top-flight football league this year.
The plan is that if the company stands by its decision to disband the team, the workers and the community will take over the funding.
Chunga, who led the team into the Premiership from the Eastern Region Division One Football League, recently told NewsDay Sport that they would be part of the Premiership this season.
“There is still a lot to be done before we can announce our position, but we are working flat out. I am travelling to Chiredzi to meet Moses Chunga and other stakeholders who want to take over the team,” Chihuri said.
“At the moment, everything is not yet clear, but we will come back to you when we have the final position. We are just hoping that everything will be clear very soon.” Eastern Region Division One side Mutare City Rovers, who came second in the league, are also hoping that they will be given the slot to play in the top-flight by virtue of coming second. Former Premiership side Zimbabwe Saints are believed to be also eyeing a move to buy the Hippo Valley franchise, while Harare businessman and Caps United shareholder Farai Jere has denied any links to the club.
