Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL) board member for competitions, Sibongubukhosi Zikhali, says they are determined to ensure clubs meet the minimum requirements of club licensing regulations to avoid walkovers.
Zikhali’s remarks came after the ZWPSL recorded a number of unfulfilled fixtures over the years, mostly due to clubs’ incapacity during the course of the season.
Last season, Maningi Queens withdrew from the league citing financial constraints.
Sheasham, who were later retained, also pulled out in protest over alleged poor officiating involving their men’s Division One side, a dispute that affected all the club’s projects.
Speaking at the ZWPSL annual general meeting (AGM) held over the weekend, Zikhali, who is the Sheasham administrator, said: “As ZWPSL, we are determined to make sure that club licensing is enforced so we can avoid unfulfilled matches.
“We discussed with all the clubs here at the AGM and we agreed that the club licensing regulations will be enforced.
“We want to professionalise things in the upcoming season to improve ourselves.
“We had teams that couldn’t fulfil fixtures last season and that should be avoided for us to have a smooth season this year.”
She added: “The challenges we have faced as the ZWPSL include not being taken seriously and not receiving support. As ZWPSL, we are determined to push our brand to ensure we attract sponsors.”
The objectives of Fifa’s club licensing regulations include promoting and improving the quality and standard of all aspects of football, while ensuring compliance with financial, sporting, legal, administrative and infrastructure requirements.