Caps United

April 11,2005 CAPS are currently facing expulsion from the Buddie Premier League for refusing to adhere to domestic rules, one of which requires all member clubs to only wear jerseys bearing the Econet Wireless logo. The domestic League is being sponsored by Econet Wireless through their prepaid brand Buddie while rival cellular network company, Net One are sponsoring CAPS United through their prepaid brand Easy Call Plus. CAPS United who had agreed to play their next three matches in full compliance with the Buddie Premier Soccer League, while their issue was being looked into, have so far played only one match against Buymore, who they beat 2-0 more than a week ago. Other teams have already played four matches to date. However, the champions shocked the local football fraternity over the weekend when they refused to fulfill their fixture against Lancashire Steel, which had been scheduled for Gwanzura Stadium on Sunday.

Now the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has called a meeting on Wednesday to make a final decision on the issue.
Although the PSL clubs are also expected to meet this week, they have resolved that CAPS United should be expelled from the league for good. The clubs feel the league can not be sacrificed because of one club.
However, CAPS United president Twine Phiri told Zimbabwesoccer yesterday that they are now prepared for any eventuality.
“We are not going to stop playing football. If we are expelled we will play in other countries. We will join the South African League or the Zambian League. We have got the brains. We have been trying to cooperate but it seems they (PSL) have a score to settle with us. Everything now rests with Zifa but if we are expelled from the league it does not mean it will be the end of the road,” said Phiri.

CAPS United had requested the Premier Soccer League to allow them to wear their sponsor’s logo during their home matches while they put on jerseys bearing Econet Wireless Logo when they play away from home.

“All this has failed to bear any fruits. We feel there is no need to continue with dialogue. It does not make any sense. We are now waiting to hear the position so that we know what course of action to take,” Phiri added.

By Tawanda Tafirenyika