A top soccer official used a league awards event in Dete to call out a worsening issue with players signing up for multiple teams. Busani Dube, a board member for Zifa in Matabeleland North, warned that dual registration messes with the sport's fairness and integrity. He said the practice, like a recent case of a player in both the Rhino Champions Cup League and a Hwange Division Two side, creates an uneven field and hurts trust. Dube stated the association would punish offenders with possible bans and fines, telling players to pick one league and stick with it.
The ceremony also highlighted the unique conservation theme of the league itself, with teams named after animals. Guest speaker Milos Phiri, a former Hwange FC player, backed up the discipline message while sharing his own career path as an example for young athletes. He told them success comes from loving the game and following its rules, not their background. The league, which just finished its season with Shumba Stars winning the men's title, involved over forty teams and support from local businesses and conservation groups.
Partners like Painted Dog Conservation emphasized how sports can guide youth toward positive community involvement and away from harmful actions. League CEO Ndodana Masuku noted the tournament's role in broader national goals. Individual awards were given, with Abrine Merino of Zebra FC earning the Soccer Star of the Year honor and Honey Badgers taking the Under-15 championship.
The ceremony also highlighted the unique conservation theme of the league itself, with teams named after animals. Guest speaker Milos Phiri, a former Hwange FC player, backed up the discipline message while sharing his own career path as an example for young athletes. He told them success comes from loving the game and following its rules, not their background. The league, which just finished its season with Shumba Stars winning the men's title, involved over forty teams and support from local businesses and conservation groups.
Partners like Painted Dog Conservation emphasized how sports can guide youth toward positive community involvement and away from harmful actions. League CEO Ndodana Masuku noted the tournament's role in broader national goals. Individual awards were given, with Abrine Merino of Zebra FC earning the Soccer Star of the Year honor and Honey Badgers taking the Under-15 championship.
