Controversial Ban Of Old Players Quashed

According to the controversial regulation mooted by the Northern Region it stipulates that the 16 league teams would not been allowed to register more than five players who are aged over 25 years. The regulation also said that the teams would field two players aged over 25 per league match.

However the clubs and Football Association has successfully petitioned the Zifa board to overturn the decision to bar old players.

Jonathan Mashingaidze, the Zifa chief executive officer said that the Zifa board had turned down the regulation.

“The Zifa board has instructed the Northern Region not to implement the new regulation. The board said the league should instead start a junior league,” Mashingaidze said.

The policy aimed at youth development has caused controversy in the second tier of Zimbabwean football and raised questions as to how young talent can best be nurtured. The clubs that signed the petition are army side Black Rhinos, Commando FC, Flame Lily FC, Mwana Africa, Lengthens, Douglas Warriors, Harare City FC, Highfield FC, Cossy Rules, Karoi FC, Township Rangers, Eiffel Flats FC, ZPC FC, DSTV FC, Renaissance FC, Quick Turn FC and Best Academy. Only DC Academy did not sign the petition.