By Farai Chikore
MHANGURA – ZIFA Northern Region Division One League team, CCLEE Mhangura has been relegated from the league after a disappointing season.
The team finished at the bottom of the NRSL table, collecting only 24 points from 36 matches, with a record of five wins, nine draws, and 22 losses. They scored 19 goals and conceded 50.
Injuries and off-field turmoil plagued the team throughout the season.
Supporters were left questioning what went wrong, with many blaming the club executive for playing home matches in different venues.
The team played their first six home games in Banket’s Kuwadzana Stadium due to Mhangura Stadium not meeting minimum ZIFA standards. When the home ground was approved, they played another six games at home but failed to win a single game.
The executive’s attempt to move the team to Harare was rejected by the NRSL, citing provincial demarcations and the need to maintain a stadium within Mashonaland West jurisdiction and not to inconvenience other teams which had already budgeted for their travelling expenses.
“We are disappointed. We were let down. Executive board should rebuild and come back stronger,” said Peter Liwanda.
“Relegation hurts, but we will learn from our mistakes and we will work tirelessly to restore Karikiriki’s pride,” said Mhangura resident Chengetai Canaan.
CCLEE Mhangura was relegated alongside DZ Royal and Zambezi Gas, both promoted last season. Norton Community narrowly avoided relegation despite their poor performance and were fourth from the bottom.
The relegation marks a disappointing end to the season for CCLEE Mhangura, but the team is determined to learn from their mistakes and work towards restoration.
New Ziana
