Ngezi Platinum Stars are in the line of fire for “defying” a Premier Soccer League (PSL) order prohibiting the side from engaging in a proposed pre-season camp in South Africa.
PSL shot down Ngezi’s SA tour arguing that their application did not follow due process. Nonetheless, Ngezi Platinum continued with their arrangements arriving by road in South Africa this morning.
“We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 20 February 2019 and advice that we are not in a position to clear the proposed tour to South Africa on short notice,” PSL CEO Kenny Ndebele said in a leaked response to Ngezi.
“In terms of the PSL Rules and Regulations Order 26.3; Any team invited to play any friendly matches outside Zimbabwe shall make a written request to the league one month before the proposed date of departure…”
“In terms of the PSL Rules and Regulations Order 26.3; Any team invited to play any friendly matches outside Zimbabwe shall make a written request to the league one month before the proposed date of departure. The League may grant or refuse such applications or grant the same subject to any such conditions as deemed fit. In addition, ZIFA shall have the right of ratifying any such decision or reject.”
“Further, the delegation list is incomplete. Your club is required to furnish us with the delegates’ passport numbers and expiry dates. The application should also be accompanied by an invitation letter from South Africa Football Association.”
However, multiple sources from Ngezi told_Zim Morning Post Sunday that they were shell shocked by PSL’s response considering the club had been cleared by ZIFA and the Sports and Recreation Commission.
There was also concern within the Ngezi family of how an internal communication had been leaked onto social media.
“Instead of PSL seeing the progressiveness of our action, we are being castigated. We followed due process and were duly cleared by ZIFA and SRC. Out of courtesy we also wrote to PSL. Our travelling to South Africa is not by invitation and no different to a Masvingo club travelling to Mutare to practice and as well play a few non-official friendly matches. We now don’t know if there is an agenda against Ngezi whose only fault is attempting to uplift domestic football,” the insider said.
The Erol Akbay coached side will play Bidvest Wits and Supersport during their stint in South Africa.
