Sports Correspondent
Norton-based MWOS FC has secured a spot in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League for the upcoming season after finalizing a deal to acquire the franchise of ZPC Hwange.
MWOS, who controversially lost the Northern Region Soccer League title to Scottland last year, has successfully purchased ZPC Hwange’s franchise after weeks of negotiations. The decision to promote Scottland to the Premier Soccer League had sparked a heated boardroom dispute, but MWOS’ deal now ensures their place in the top flight of Zimbabwean football.
The agreement was reached with the approval of the ZIFA Southern Region, further solidifying the move. Talks between MWOS and ZPC Hwange began on December 12 of last year, after it became clear that ZPC Hwange lacked the financial capacity to support two teams in the Premier League, especially with ZPC Kariba already representing the power company.
Additionally, the deal was complicated by the CAF Club Licensing rule, which prohibits clubs owned by the same company from competing in the same league due to potential conflicts of interest.
Although there were efforts from the ZPC workers committee to have the Premier League slot awarded to relegated Hwange to maintain top-flight football in the coal-mining town, the club’s executive ultimately decided to move forward with a deal led by the Patrick Tamson administration at MWOS.
With the franchise secured, MWOS FC will now compete in the Premier Soccer League, marking a significant achievement for the ambitious club.