Helcraw Electrical Projects, a private company, has been awarded a US$138 million government contract to upgrade Harare’s water infrastructure, reported the <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200037344/zanu-pf-mp-awarded-us138m-water-deal-harare-residents-to-be-levied-us6-every-month-for-up-to-10-years">Independent</a>.
Helcraw plans to charge each household in Harare US$5.50 monthly for 5-10 years to recoup its investment. With an estimated 350,000 houses in Harare, this could generate around US$23.1 million per year for the company.
Over 10 years, Helcraw could potentially earn a profit of US$93 million from the project, which aims to increase Harare’s daily water production to 520 million litres.
The contract was allegedly awarded to Helcraw, chaired by ZANU PF legislator Farai Jere, without a tender process. The company is responsible for various upgrades, including the Darwendale pump station, dewatering pumps, and raw water flow meters.
According to documents seen by the Independent, the government will cover the cost of clearing chemical debt and stocking chemicals, supporting the generation of 450 million litres daily from Morton Jaffray and Prince Edward water treatment plants at a cost of about US$7.9 million.
A proposed financing model also budgets US$542.88 million for rehabilitating Harare’s distribution network.
Helcraw is tasked with key upgrades, including US$1.75 million for Alex pump station rehabilitation, US$23 million for replacing 100km of piping, and US$96 million for supplying prepaid meters to 350,000 properties.
The city will finance the replacement of 20km of piping at US$15 million, while a PPP will mobilize US$154 million for a 2,580km pipeline overhaul and new reticulation work for the new city at US$80 million.
Jere denied favouritism claims, saying the contract was awarded based on his company’s proposals and track record, not his political role. He said:
<blockquote>
It has nothing to do with my role as a legislator. It was a matter of me proposing and being able to proffer solutions. We have notable achievements.
We have provided electricity meters. We have done water meters in Karoi. We are the ones who proposed this to ZINWA.
</blockquote>
Jere added that the project cost is still being negotiated by the involved parties. He said:
<blockquote>
The cost of the project is still not clear as there are meetings held daily to adjust. All we did was to propose. We are yet to get the actual figure. As per our contract, the project is a 24-month project.
</blockquote>
Jere said Helcraw’s Chinese partner, Hangzhou Laison Technology, will provide the funding.
Commenting on how Helcraw would recover its investment, Jere said:
<blockquote>
Modalities on how the money will be repaid are being looked at. We will be collecting our money over a period of five to 10 years (but those modalities) are still being fine-tuned.
</blockquote>
However, an informed source told the Independent that Helcraw would allegedly be charging a monthly levy of US$5,50.
The project also includes US$930 million for wastewater infrastructure rehabilitation, US$7.92 million for a plant and equipment by December next year, and US$1.8 million for operational vehicles.
Helcraw will also set up a US$20 million solar power plant to support the initiative.

Pindula News

A ZANU PF MP's company, Helcraw Electrical Projects, got a $138 million deal to upgrade Harare's water system. They plan to charge each household $5.50 every month for 5-10 years. Helcraw could make $93 million profit in 10 years. The project aims to increase water production in Harare to 520 million litres a day. The contract was given without a tender process. The city will also spend money on other upgrades. The company will be supported by a Chinese partner for funding. Residents may have to pay a levy of $5.50 monthly.

ZANU PF MP Awarded US$138m Harare Water Deal. Residents To Be Levied US$6 Monthly For 10 Years

Premier Soccer League (PSL) Chairman Farai Jere and Vice Chairman Lifa Ncube have stepped down after their terms of office expired on 31 December 2024.
In a statement on Thursday, 23 January, the PSL announced that the remaining members of the PSL Emergency Committee, Masimba Chihowa, Moses Maunganidze, and Isaiah Mupfurutsa, will manage the League’s affairs until elections are held to fill the positions. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) wishes to inform all stakeholders that, following a resolution by the Board of Governors during an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 19 December 2024, the PSL Chairman, Hon Farai Jere and Vice Chairman, Mr Lifa Ncube have stepped down from their respective positions. This follows the expiration of their terms of office on 31 December 2024.
The Board of Governors also resolved to entrust the remaining members of the PSL Emergency Committee, namely Messrs Masimba Chihowa, Moses Maunganidze and Isaiah Mupfurutsa with the responsibility of running the League’s affairs until elections are conducted to fill these positions.
We would like to thank Hon Jere and Mr Ncube for their unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership throughout their tenure. We wish them the best in their future endeavours.
We assure all stakeholders that the PSL Emergency Committee will manage the league’s operations effectively during this period of transition.
</blockquote>

The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Premier Soccer League, Farai Jere and Lifa Ncube, have left their positions because their terms of office ended on 31 December 2024. The League announced that the remaining members of the Emergency Committee will run things until new elections are held. They thanked Jere and Ncube for their leadership and said the Emergency Committee will manage the League well during this transition.

Farai Jere, Lifa Ncube Leave PSL After Terms Expire

Harare City Council officials reportedly met with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works this week to express concerns over Helcraw Electrical Projects, a company linked to ZANU PF legislator Farai Jere, which was selected for a major water infrastructure contract.
The officials questioned Helcraw’s capacity, referencing its failed bid to supply water meters in a US$2 million tender in 2023.
According to an unnamed government official who spoke to <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200037064/harare-queries-water-plant-deal">The Independent</a>, Helcraw Electrical Projects was chosen to establish a new water treatment plant and supply water meters in partnership with Chinese firm Hangzhou Laison Technology. Said the official:
<blockquote>
A series of meetings have been held to discuss the agreement between the government and Helcraw Electrical Projects.
On January 12, city officials, including acting water director Richard Kunyadini attended a meeting at Makombe Building.
The meeting emphasised on the need to first conduct a due diligence on Helcraw Electrical Projects, focusing on whether they have capacity to fund the project.
It was centred on privatisation of water and sewer services and introducing Helcraw who had signed a Memorandum of Understanding as the chosen investor without having gone through any tender process.
The meeting focused on a number of issues that include whether Helcraw Electrical Projects had the financial and technical capacity to roll out the massive project.
Officials also questioned whether Helcraw Electrical Projects had presented the proof of funding to finance the project.
More importantly, the meeting questioned why a project of this scope could be awarded without first conducting due diligence on Helcraw Electrical Projects.
</blockquote>
Helcraw is expected to supply prepaid meters for 350,000 properties at a cost of US$96 million and replace a 100-kilometre pipe network valued at US$23 million.
When contacted for a comment by The Independent, Jere requested a meeting next week, stating he could not share such details over the phone.
Kunyadini, who also attended the meeting, referred The Independent’s questions to Mayor Jacob Mafume.
Mafume, who was in Russia at the time, said no one questioned the deal when it was signed last week. He was among the officials who attended the signing ceremony.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council officials are worried about a deal with a company called Helcraw for a water project. The company failed in a previous bid. They are chosen to build a new water plant and supply meters. The officials want to check if the company has enough money and skills for the project. They also wonder why this company was chosen without a proper process. The company will supply meters for 350,000 properties and replace pipes. The legislator linked to the company did not comment on the issue.

Harare City Council Officials Question Water Plant Deal

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairperson Farai Jere has accepted the ZIFA Ethics Committee’s decision to bar him from contesting the Executive Committee elections on January 25.
Jere, along with former Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa, Walter Magaya, and former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari, was excluded from the ZIFA election race.
Jere, who is the Member of Parliament for Murehwa West (ZANU PF), told <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/jere-accepts-zifa-verdict/">ZBC News</a> on Tuesday that he had written to ZIFA requesting an explanation for his exclusion from the contest. He said:
<blockquote>
I got the response this morning. ZIFA explained to me that I submitted my notice of name change late when FIFA governance had already concluded the vetting process.
Before 2000, I used the name Farai Mutimbo and all my Ordinary and Advanced Level certificates bear that name.
Then I officially changed to Farai Jere in 2000 and my tertiary qualifications have that name, so the clarity came, but I was disappointed that they could have requested the notice in time and I could also be contested, but remember, everything happens for a reason.
</blockquote>
When asked why he is not exercising his right to appeal, Jere said that his focus is on ensuring that football comes out as the winner. Said Jere:
<blockquote>
I am a leader so I have to make decisions not just for myself. I want football to be the winner, not Jere. So if I appeal it means that it’s an emergency interdict to stop the elections until my case is heard.
My case is simple and I can easily win it, but the time that will take means I will delay the elections, so is that good for our football?
I am a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sports chairperson, so I can’t be seen delaying the elections. 
Zimbabwean football needs to heal and move forward to start afresh with new leadership, so I am allowing that to happen because football must come first and football must be the winner.
</blockquote>
Other candidates, including Benjani Mwaruwari, have also been seeking answers from ZIFA, and all four candidates have reportedly received explanations regarding their exclusion from the race.
Under the new ZIFA statutes, any aggrieved party has the right to appeal to a higher body. However, since the vetting and integrity checks were conducted and forwarded to FIFA’s Governance, Audit, and Compliance Committee, all appeals must now be directed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Six candidates—businessman Nqobile Magwizi, Northern Region Soccer League chairperson Martin Kweza, former ZIFA board member Philemon Machana, Team Zimbabwe UK CEO Marshal Gore, former PSL chairperson Twine Phiri, and former footballer Makwinje Phiri—have successfully passed the integrity test and are eligible to run for the ZIFA presidency.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Farai Jere, who wanted to run for a position in the soccer committee, cannot run in January because he missed a deadline to change his name on some documents. Jere is okay with this decision because he thinks it is more important for soccer to be successful. Other people who were also denied a spot have been given reasons for their exclusion. Some other candidates have passed all the checks and are allowed to run. Jere and others cannot appeal this decision anymore. New leaders will hopefully help Zimbabwean soccer improve.

"Football Must Come First," Farai Jere Accepts ZIFA Verdict

The ZIFA Electoral Committee has revealed that outgoing Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Farai Jere has been barred from competing in the upcoming ZIFA elections due to the late submission of essential documents.
Jere, along with notable figures such as Twine Phiri, Walter Magaya, Temba Mliswa, and Benjani Mwaruwari, did not meet the eligibility criteria and were therefore excluded from the final list of candidates for the ZIFA presidency.
Jere contested his exclusion, asserting that he was unjustly dismissed from the race, as he possesses the required five O Level passes.
However, a leaked letter from ZIFA National Committee chairman Lincoln Mutasa indicated that the issue stemmed from discrepancies in the submitted certificates, including a name mismatch, which was corrected after the deadline. Reads the letter in part:
<blockquote>
I regret to inform you that, following the integrity checks required for candidacy in the upcoming Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Executive Committee elections, it has been determined that you have not met the necessary criteria to proceed as a candidate. Specifically, this pertains to the late submission of your name change on the O and A Level certificates.
We understand that this news may be disappointing. The integrity checks are a crucial part of our commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct within our organization.
This process is essential for fostering trust and transparency in our operations and ensuring that all candidates meet the rigorous standards expected by the football community.
We encourage you to remain engaged with ZIFA and continue to contribute to the development of football in Zimbabwe.
Should you have any questions regarding the integrity check process or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Should you wish to appeal please kindly note the process is outlined in Article 85(9) of the ZIFA Statutes.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Farai Jere, the outgoing PSL chairman, was excluded from the ZIFA elections because he submitted important documents late. He, along with others like Twine Phiri and Benjani Mwaruwari, did not meet the requirements. Jere said he had the right qualifications, but there were issues with his certificates. The ZIFA National Committee said integrity checks are important for fair elections. Jere can appeal the decision if he wants. It's important for everyone to follow the rules to make sure the elections are fair.

Jere Excluded From ZIFA Race Due To Late Submission Of Vital Documents

CAPS United President Farai Jere has written to the ZIFA Electoral Committee, demanding an explanation for his exclusion from the list of candidates approved to contest in the upcoming ZIFA elections.
Jere, along with other notable figures such as Twine Phiri, Walter Magaya, Temba Mliswa, and Benjani Mwaruwari, failed to pass the eligibility test and were excluded from the final list of candidates for the ZIFA presidency.
In a letter to ZIFA dated December 23, 2024, Jere questioned why his application was rejected, despite holding an Ordinary Level certificate. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I am writing to request clarification regarding the decision not to nominate me for the Presidency of ZIFA. I learned of this decision through radio and television this evening.
I wish to bring to your attention and emphasize that earlier today, at approximately 08:45 am. I submitted my birth certificate and the 2002 Government Gazette reflecting my name change, which was legally processed by Manasa and Manasa Legal Practitioners.
This was done to ensure all my nomination documentation is accurate and complete, as my O level and A level certificates submitted contain my former surname Mutimbo whereas my University First Degree and Masters of Business Administration transcripts contain the surname Jere.
If this was not a factor in your decision-making, I believe it is essential to understand the reasons behind your decision.
I hold high and esteemed offices and do not want my name to be sullied by misconceptions that I do not have 5 O levels.
I therefore kindly ask for a detailed explanation of the considerations that led to this outcome.
I would appreciate receiving this information at your earliest convenience, preferably before Christmas.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Farai Jere, the president of CAPS United, wants to know why he can't run for ZIFA president. He, along with others like Twine Phiri and Walter Magaya, didn't pass the test. Jere wrote a letter asking ZIFA why. He said he has the right qualifications. He wants to know why he was rejected before Christmas. Jere doesn't want people to think he doesn't have enough O-levels. He wants ZIFA to explain why he can't run.

Jere Seeks Clarity On ZIFA Candidacy Rejection

The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) announced on Thursday that it has acquired 1.4 hectares of land in Borrowdale Estates, Harare, to build its first permanent headquarters.
Outgoing PSL chairman Farai Jere, whose term ends on December 31, announced the development during the unveiling of a plaque at the construction site.
The project will include modern offices, a training centre, a football pitch, a conference facility, and residential apartments. It will also house offices for women’s football. He said:
<blockquote>
This is a historic moment. For over 32 years, the league has operated without a permanent base. This development signifies a new era for Zimbabwean football.
This site will serve as a home for the PSL, honouring the legacy of past players and administrators while paving the way for sustainable development.
</blockquote>
Representatives from league sponsors Delta Beverages, Harare City Council, and the Sports and Recreation Commission attended the event.
Jere, who is running for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidency in the January 25 elections, said the land acquisition is one of his final goals as PSL chairman.
He will compete against Walter Magaya, Nqobile Magwizi, Temba Mliswa, Martin Kweza, Phillemon Machana, and others, all of whom must pass an ethics and integrity test.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League has gotten land in Harare to build its first permanent headquarters. The project will have offices, training center, football pitch, and more. The chairman said it is a historic moment after 32 years without a permanent base. The headquarters will honor past players and help develop football in Zimbabwe. Sponsors and council members attended the event. The chairman's final goal is to secure the land before running for a position in the football association. Other candidates must pass a test before the election on January 25.

Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League Secures Land For Headquarters

CAPS United has incentivised its players with a cash reward of US$1,000 each for a victory against Premier Soccer League (PSL) title favourites Simba Bhora in their upcoming match at Wadzanayi Stadium in Shamva on Saturday, November 2, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/caps-united-dangle-us1k-bonus-simba-bhora-title-charge-faces-hurdle/">The Herald</a>.
According to CAPS United president Farai Jere, offering incentives has been a successful strategy for the club, as it has resulted in wins for Makepekepe in the past. He said:
<blockquote>
Yes, we are giving them that amount (US$ 1,000) for a win against Simba Bhora. It’s something we have been doing and this is how the wins have been coming.
</blockquote>
CAPS United head coach Lloyd Chitembwe expressed optimism about correcting “the wrongs of the past” as his team prepares to face Simba Bhora again, following their earlier 0-1 defeat this season. Said Chitembwe:
<blockquote>
It looks to be a good match but first I would want to congratulate coach Tonderai Ndiraya because he has shown that he is a good coach.
He has done well with Simba Bhora against all odds, not many people believed in him. Not many people believed in his qualities as a coach.
He has gone on to do extremely very well with the team, so I think he deserves the credit and I’m happy for him.
But coming to the game on Saturday, I think it’s an equally important game for us as it is also important for them.
It’s important for us because we lost the first game we played at Rufaro, obviously after having dominated throughout the match.
We lost through a goal that I thought we could have avoided from a free kick, that was one of the very disappointing action for the entire match.
So we have a good reason to play that match and correct the wrongs of the past and we are looking forward to it with a lot of hope that we can go there and win.
But one thing I can assure you is that it’s going to be a difficult game, Simba Bhora have been on a roll.
They have played quite well and managed to win key matches and that makes them a very dangerous team to play against.
</blockquote>
Simba Bhora can edge closer to the PSL title with a victory, which would extend their lead to nine points over second-placed FC Platinum.
FC Platinum will have the opportunity to respond when they face Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CAPS United is offering their players $1,000 each if they beat Simba Bhora in their next soccer match. The team's president believes that offering bonuses helps the team win. The head coach is hopeful despite losing to Simba Bhora earlier this season. Simba Bhora can get closer to winning the league if they win, which would make them nine points ahead of FC Platinum. FC Platinum will play against Dynamos next. It will be a tough game because both teams are strong.

CAPS United Offers Players US$1,000 Bonus For Beating Simba Bhora

Premier Soccer League boss and CAPS United president Farai Jere is reportedly planning to join the race for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president.
Although there are no official candidates yet, several potential contestants have shown interest, including UK-based Marshal Gore, former CAPS United star Alois Bunjira, clergyman Walter Magaya, FC Wangu Mazodze owner Richard Mazodze, and Zimbabwean football legend Peter Ndlovu.
The NewsHawks reported sources as saying Jere, a businessman and Murehwa West Member of Parliament, will soon make an official announcement of his candidacy.
Jere is credited with bringing stability to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and restoring order at CAPS United, leading them to the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
Jere has previously served as a ZIFA board member.
ZIFA is currently led by a Normalisation Committee appointed by FIFA to address issues within the previous administration and local football.
The ZIFA congress recently met in Harare to ratify amendments to their constitution, setting the stage for the football association’s elections early next year.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Farai Jere, the boss of the Premier Soccer League and CAPS United president, plans to run for the ZIFA president in Zimbabwe. Other potential candidates include Marshal Gore, Alois Bunjira, Walter Magaya, Richard Mazodze, and Peter Ndlovu. Jere is set to make an official announcement soon. He is known for bringing stability to the PSL and CAPS United. The current ZIFA leadership is managed by a FIFA Normalisation Committee. The ZIFA congress recently met to make changes for the upcoming elections next year.

PSL Chairman Farai Jere Set To Enter Race For ZIFA Presidency

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Farai Jere has warned CAPS United that it faces a heavy fine after club fans forced the abandonment of the Castle Lager Premiership match against FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium last Saturday.
The match was abandoned with only four minutes left in regulation time after CAPS United fans had swarmed the pitch in protest over a disallowed goal, creating an unsafe environment for the referees.
Jere, who is also the president of CAPS United, said that the club was facing the prospect of a heavy fine based on PSL statutes. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200025391/jere-reacts-to-mandava-fiasco">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
We have brought the game of football into disrepute and now the same club that we dearly love is going to be fined heavily because it’s very clear what the statues say. We know even before we go for a hearing that it’s a serious offence.
As the chairman of PSL and the president of CAPS United, I am not happy with the videos I am seeing of the fans going after the referees. We don’t condone any acts of violence in our football.
Let’s respect referees, they make decisions in a split second, even in Europe VAR (Video Assistant Referee) makes mistakes, someone sitting and watching on a monitor makes mistakes.
I want to encourage the responsible authorities to deal with this as soon as possible because the statutes are there.
</blockquote>
In 2022, Highlanders and Dynamos were fined by the PSL Disciplinary Committee due to incidents of violence and hooliganism during their league match between the two clubs at Barbourfields Stadium in May of that year.
Dynamos FC, who were the home team, were fined $7,500, while Highlanders FC was fined $5,000. The match was awarded to Highlanders on a 3-0 scoreline.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CAPS United "To Be Fined Heavily" Over Aborted PSL Match Says Jere

Murehwa West MP Farai Jere has urged the Government to ensure that councillors are paid a basic monthly salary plus allowances.
Currently, councillors in Zimbabwe are only given an allowance, which is less than US$100.
Speaking during the debate of his motion on conditions of service to improve the plight of councillors, Jere said (<a href="https://openparly.com/farai-jere-wants-councillors-paid-a-basic-monthly-salary-plus-allowances/">via Open Parly</a>):
<blockquote>
Councillors’ compensation should align with international best practices on local governance and government remuneration aimed at facilitating good governance. This outlines that local elected officials should receive salaries.
What has been approved Madam Speaker, is an allowance. We are proposing that these councillors should be entitled to a basic salary plus those allowances as part of the presentation.
Allowances should cover expenses incurred during official duties, and… remuneration packages should be regularly reviewed by independent bodies to match evolving roles and maintain public confidence.
The current situation on the ground has been overtaken by events, where councillors were earning something like 115 which was equivalent to US$9 per sitting at the current official rate of exchange.
There is a need for a Statutory Instrument to mandate appropriate compensation parameters linked to responsibilities and constituency sizes. This would enhance compliance with international standards.
I propose that national legislation outlines basic salary, allowances and a performance-based bonus framework for our councillors.
It is very sad to let this House know that the welfare of the councillors as we speak now, is the responsibility of the Hon. Members.
They are funding their operations as they are regarded as the foot soldiers of our constituencies…
The proposed remuneration will aim to cover basic expenses, opportunity costs and productive costs incurred by councillors in fulfilling their demanding official duty across potential vast wards.
</blockquote>
The government recently reviewed the allowances of local authority employees, that is, mayors, deputy mayors, committee chairpersons and councillors.
This was revealed in a circular from the Minister for Local Government and Public Works, which was copied to the Permanent Secretary of Local Government and Public Works, and all Provincial Directors for Local Government Services, and addressed to the President of the Association of Rural District Councils of Zimbabwe, A Shamu.
According to the circular, dated 27 February 2024, the allowances which are with effect from 1 January 2024, are as follows:
<ul>
<li>Mayors/Chairpersons – ZWL$1,629,906</li>
<li>Deputy Mayors/Chairpersons – ZWL$1,494,081</li>
<li>Committee Chairpersons – ZWL$1,412,585</li>
<li>Councillor – ZWL$1,358,255</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Councillors Must Be Paid A Basic Monthly Salary Plus Allowances - Farai Jere

The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) will never be the same again following the arrival of CAF Champions League winner Khama Billiat.
This was said by PSL chairman Farai Jere as he was speaking on the sidelines of the Delta Beverages sponsorship unveiling in Harare on Thursday.
Jere said Billiat’s stature has the potential to revive interest in the local Premiership. He said (<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/billiat-doubles-premierships-value/">via The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
Having players of such stature, those players who have played at the highest level. I remember he was once voted the second-best player in the continent (after former teammate Dennis Onyango) when he helped South Africa giants Mamelodi Sundowns to the CAF Champions League glory in 2016.
And his choosing to come to play in Zimbabwe is an endorsement of our league. That will also force other teams to raise their performance bars.
The league is no longer the same after the arrival of Billiat; he is one of the best players in Africa, and his arrival has given our critics something to think about.
It shows we are going somewhere because Billiat is a top player, and I’m confident that more top players are on their way to our league.
It’s undeniable that most football followers across Africa are going to be keeping an eye on our league this season.
</blockquote>
Billiat joined Yadah this week on a one-year contract ahead of the 2024 season. The Miracle Boys offered the former Warriors star better terms than Dynamos, Manica Diamonds, CAPS United, Ngezi Platinum, and FC Platinum.
He becomes the PSL’s highest-paid player on a reported monthly salary of about US$5 000.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Billiat's Arrival A Huge Boost For Premier Soccer League - Jere

Dynamos and Highlanders have issued a joint statement this Friday, 23 February condemning remarks made by Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman, Farai Jere, which they described as “inflammatory”.
Speaking on the sidelines of the renewal of a sponsorship deal between the PSL and Delta Beverages in Harare on Thursday, 22 February, Jere said they deliberately fixed the match between Highlanders and Dynamos on the opening weekend of the 2024 season at Barbourfields Stadium to prevent the orgy of violence that has characterised the fixture in past seasons. Jere, who owns CAPS United, said:
<blockquote>
We wanted this match played early in the season because we cannot allow two clubs to be holding the entire league at ransom, to bring the whole league into disrepute.
</blockquote>
Jere’s remarks angered Dynamos and Highlanders executives who said the comments had the potential to damage the reputation and integrity of the two clubs. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Dynamos FC and Highlanders FC jointly condemn the inflammatory remarks made by Premier League Chairman, Mr Farai Jere, regarding our clubs.
His characterization of Highlanders and Dynamos as violent teams is not only reckless but also deeply concerning.
Such allegations have the potential to damage the reputation and integrity of our esteemed clubs, as well as undermine the spirit of fair play in Zimbabwean football.
We categorically reject Mr Jere’s remarks and call for them to be unequivocally condemned. As pillars of the Zimbabwean football community, Highlanders FC and Dynamos FC have long stood for values of sportsmanship, integrity, and respect.
We have worked tirelessly to promote these principles both on and off the field, and we will not allow baseless accusations to tarnish our hard-earned reputation.
Furthermore, we express our disappointment with the utterances by Mr Jere that our match day one fixture was deliberately ‘fixed’, a decision that goes against the principles of fairness and equality that are the foundation of competitive sports.
We urge the league authorities to reconsider this position and ensure that all fixtures are arranged transparently and impartially, per the spirit of fair play.
In conclusion, Highlanders FC and Dynamos FC reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, sportsmanship, and respect in Zimbabwean football.
We call upon all stakeholders to join us in condemning these accusations and promoting a culture of fairness, transparency, and mutual respect within the sport.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Dynamos, Highlanders Hit Back At Farai Jere

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman, Farai Jere, says Rufaro Stadium is almost ready to host top-flight matches following renovations carried out by the Harare City Council.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/psl-chairperson-gives-thumbs-up-to-world-class-eye-catching-rufaro-stadium/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Jere expressed satisfaction with the turf at Rufaro Stadium which he described as “world-class”. He said:
<blockquote>
We can see that there are world standards, and things that are happening there. The turf, you can see it is world-class. I can imagine if this grass is cut and is ready for the matches it will be eye-catching.
</blockquote>
However, Rufaro Stadium will only host topflight matches if it is approved by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA First Instance Board (FIB).
The stadium last hosted top-flight matches in 2019 due to years of neglect, a development that exacerbated the stadium crisis in the country.
The City of Harare embarked on renovations which have not satisfied the Confederations of African Football (CAF) as it remains banned from hosting international matches.
If all goes well, Harare will have three stadiums to host PSL matches during the 2024 season. Said Jere:
<blockquote>
We can see that there are world standards and things that are happening there. The turf, you can see is world-class. I can imagine if this grass is cut and is ready for the matches it will be eye-catching.
</blockquote>
Last year, the PSL was forced to suspend matches for more than a month after the turf at the National Sports Stadium, which was home to almost half the topflight teams, had alarmingly deteriorated.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

PSL Chairperson Approves Rufaro Stadium Renovations

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has adjusted the 2024 calendar, with the season set to commence on 24 February. The local premiership season normally starts in March.
PSL chairperson Farai Jere told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/early-kick-off-for-psl">The Sunday Mail</a> recently that the 2024 season will start early to accommodate the senior national team’s World Cup qualifiers, as well as the CAF inter-club competitions.
Zimbabwe has two World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa in June, while Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos will play in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, respectively, from August. Said Jere:
<blockquote>
The reason why we want to start our season early is to accommodate the teams that will play in Africa and the national team, which will be playing in the World Cup qualifiers.
We don’t want a situation similar to what happened last year when we kept on playing league football when the national team was playing.
That was a disadvantage to some players and clubs, while it was also a counter-attraction to the Warriors, who are the country’s flagship football team.
We are also trying to manage the time at which we are going to end our season.
So, in trying to mitigate that, this time we are starting early.
</blockquote>
He said the 2024 PSL season will start with the Castle Challenge Cup between the league champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars, and Chibuku Super Cup winners Dynamos, which is similar to the Community Shield in the English Premier League.
Jere said the Castle Challenge Cup match will be played the week preceding 24 February at Baobab Stadium, where the 2023 Chibuku Super Cup final was played.
He said the home team for the Castle Challenge Cup will be the winner of the league, that is Ngezi Platinum Stars, hence the match will be played in Mhondoro at the Baobab Stadium.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

2024 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League Set For Early Kick-off

The resumption of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), which was pencilled for 01 July, may be delayed by a week or two with clubs failing to secure venues to host matches.
This was said by PSL Chairman, <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Farai_Jere">Farai Jere</a>, who also indicated that Rufaro Stadium in Harare, Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba and Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva, will be ready by 01 July. Said Jere:
<blockquote>
There is a possibility that the league might be delayed by a week or two as the sprucing up of the grounds is not yet finished.
We hope that Rufaro, Nyamhunga and Wadzanai will be ready but none of those grounds has been completed and we still face a challenge.
I know many people have been calling for matches to be played at other venues but we can’t run that risk because once you lower the standard it will be difficult for us to get back.
So, we just need to bear with the situation bit but football will resume soon enough.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/06/20/resumption-of-the-premier-soccer-league-likely-to-be-delayed/">ZBC News</a> reported that Black Rhinos has managed to secure a lease to use Bata Stadium in Gweru as their home ground, while Dynamos are mulling using Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro Ngezi.
Cranborne Bullets, CAPS United and Yadah are planning to continue using the National Sports Stadium while Simba Bhora and ZPC Kariba hope to get their stadiums, Wadzanai and Nyamhunga, respectively, ready in time for resumption.
The PSL suspended all matches on 07 June for a three-week period to allow for maintenance works on various stadiums to be completed.
The National Sports Stadium, which is owned by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC),  had hosted 43 matches in 77 days as eight teams were using it as their home ground.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Stadia Crisis May Delay Resumption Of Premier Soccer League Matches - Farai Jere

Renovations at <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Rufaro_Stadium/">Rufaro Stadium</a> have gained momentum and are expected to be completed by next month following delays caused by corruption. 
Harare Mayor <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mafume">Jacob Mafume</a> and Premier Soccer League Chairman <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Farai_Jere/">Farai Jere</a> toured the facility to assess the progress and set new timelines.
The stadium was <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2023/02/14/renovations-of-rufaro-stadium-back-on-track/">initially scheduled to reopen before the start of the season</a> in March but was delayed until the end of April. However, Mafume disclosed that corruption within the council hindered progress. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/rufaro-renovations-gather-momentum-corruption-had-stalled-progress/">The Herald</a> quotes the Mayor as saying:
<blockquote>
Old habits in procurement. People want to buy the most expensive things. Whenever a project like this is started they try to alert their relatives and their relatives start forming companies to make these things and you will be shocked by the prices. So we have cut that red tape. If you want irrigation equipment you know where to buy that, if you want cement you know there is Circle Cement and that cement and so forth.
It’s like there is a looting committee that was created at some place and that looting committee is very difficult to cut through because it’s agenda is to loot. So it is the behaviour of the people that has sort of delayed our finishing timelines. But we have pushed day and night and I am happy to see the progress and I am dead sure that by the end of this month that we will be sitting in this stadium cheering our teams to our hearts’ content.
</blockquote>
Rufaro Stadium has been condemned multiple times due to lack of maintenance, but there is renewed hope as the City of Harare has taken on the task of restoring it. The pitch has shown visible improvement, and the parking area, perimeter wall, and shopping complex are also being renovated.
The local stadium inspectors, including members from PSL and ZIFA, have made extensive recommendations for the stadium to meet CAF and FIFA standards. These include improving the playing surface, perimeter support structures, drainage systems, ablution facilities, dressing rooms, and facilities for the physically challenged. They also recommend installing bucket seats, direction signs, standard doping rooms, a medical facility, press rooms, television camera points, and modern electronic turnstiles.
Mafume expressed satisfaction with the progress made on Rufaro Stadium, saying that they have conducted soil tests and installed new soil to improve the playing surface, which will have a pop-up irrigation system. They have also painted the seats and numbered them, allowing teams to sell season, half-season, and quarter-season tickets.
The changing rooms have been expanded, and each will have 15 to 18 showers, with individual lockers for players. A B-Arena will be constructed outside with the same turf as the main pitch, which will be used for practice sessions and will contain small-to-medium shops, creating a multi-purpose facility. Samples of the bucket seats are expected to be delivered soon to begin the process of ordering them.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Samples Of Bucket Seats Expected Soon As Renovations At Rufaro Stadium Gain Momentum

Two owners of Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs Innocent Benza and Farai Jere are set to contest in the weekend ZANU PF primary elections, reported the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/farai-jere-and-innocent-benza-run-for-political-office/">Chronicle</a>.
Benza plays for and owns Herentals Football Club, while Jere is the president of CAPS United Football Club and the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Benza is eying Mutasa Central constituency in Manicaland Province, while Jere wants to contest the Murewa (Murehwa) West constituency in Mashonaland East Province on a ZANU PF ticket in the upcoming general elections.
Prominent football administrators who have been voted ZANU PF MPs in the past include former ZIFA president Phillip Chiyangwa and his deputy Omega Sibanda, as well as the current interim ZIFA president Gift Banda.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two PSL Club Owners Set To Contest In ZANU PF Primaries

The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) will not reduce gate charges to bring back fans to stadiums in spite of poor attendance at matches last season.
Some football stakeholders have suggested that gate charges should be reduced from US$3 to US$1 in order to attract fans.
However, speaking on the sidelines of an induction workshop held at a city hotel, PSL chairman Farai Jere said US$3 for the cheapest ticket is a fair price. Said Jere:
<blockquote>
When you are looking for solutions you should know that price is the last thing that you should look at.
If you look at the three dollars that we are charging now, it’s a fair price which is actually below the regional prices for a match day ticket.
We don’t want people to underrate the issues to do with the availability of critical stadium facilities like Rufaro Stadium in bringing people back to the stadium.
I still stand by the fact that football has to be brought to the people. You need to bring the football to where people are. We need Rufaro Stadium up and running.
At Barbourfields Highlanders versus Caps United was a full house at three dollars, it was the same Highlanders against Dynamos at the same venue, why are we not asking ourselves why the situation was like that?
</blockquote>
Jere said before considering slashing gate charges, football should also be on the radio adding this will help bring fans to the stadium. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/no-dollar-deals-at-premier-soccer-league-matches/">Chronicle</a>

Premier Soccer League Gate Charges Are Fair - Jere

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Farai Jere on Wednesday said that Premiership games are expected to resume next week.
On Monday, PSL suspended Premiership games in the wake of crowd trouble during a Dynamos versus Highlanders match at Barboufieldss Stadium the previous day.
The match was abandoned after fans invaded the pitch in the 90th minute after Highlanders had scored the only goal of the match.
Jere told state media that the suspension of Premiership matches was necessary to allow stakeholders to come together to find solutions to the problem of violence and hooliganism. Said, Jere:
<blockquote>
It’s just one week, just this weekend. We don’t have time to waste. As far as I can repeat, it was very necessary to put everything on standby for just one week to make sure that we are all aligned.
Next week, matches are resuming. On Monday I am sure you will start to see the fixtures. 
But we need to correct this problem and get ideas from everyone.
</blockquote>
However, some clubs and football commentators argued that the decision to suspend the topflight league was unfair since hooliganism only involved Dynamos and Highlanders. Added Jere:
<blockquote>
Let me tell you something about decisions when they’re being made. Ninety per cent of great decisions don’t please everyone, even at the household level. But in most cases, 90 per cent of those decisions will be correct.
A number of people who I spoke to and have been asking me why we came up with the decision, are now appreciating it, including the ZIFA vice-president.
He called me and said that he will support me wherever I am going, it was a noble decision.
At times lack of information creates information gaps and leads people to speculation, and we all have got a right to do that.
But our job as football leadership is to think and make decisions and then we are critiqued.
To fine the teams is the generic decision which we have in our files, which always happens but this time around we wanted to make it different and see if we can uproot this problem for good.
If it means that we need to increase the number of police at Highlanders or Dynamos matches, let it be because we will now be getting this information from the stakeholders whom we cannot answer on their behalf or who cannot give us their position just by imposing a fine to either team.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/jere-confident-of-safe-football-resumption-after-meeting/">The Herald</a></h4>

Premiership Matches To Resume Next Week

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Farai Jere on Wednesday said that it was necessary to shelve domestic topflight matches due to recurring violence and hooliganism at stadia.
On Monday, 16 May, PSL announced the suspension of all league matches following crowd trouble during a match between Highlanders and Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, 15 May.
Jere said all football stakeholders will meet to find solutions to the problem of violence and hooliganism at football matches.
The PSL leadership is on Friday expected to host a meeting that will be attended by security officials including the Zimbabwe Republic Police, club security officers and marshals as well as stadium owners. Said, Jere:
<blockquote>
The decision which we’ve made is premised on the fact that if you look at what happened at Barbourfields, it happened just two weeks after what happened at Mandava.
We are looking at a situation which is a crisis in our own view after we had sat down and analysed all the factors which are there and some video evidence which is there.
We actually need all stakeholders to sit down and come up with a solution before we move forward.
This happened just two weeks before another derby, CAPS/Dynamos match, which is also another high profile game coming up.
We then decided to have all stakeholders sit in one room this weekend, to see if all of us are aligned and playing their part.
We have to ask questions like are you playing your part as the security guard, marshals, referees and as PSL and see if there’s any need for reinforcement because we don’t want these same problems to keep happening.
These decisions where a lot of people are saying we just fine people and clubs and move on, that has been done for several years and it has not stopped this.
So this is quite a unique decision, which is proper and which is going to come up with a solution to the current problem which we have.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/jere-confident-of-safe-football-resumption-after-meeting/">The Herald</a></h4>

Suspension Of PSL Matches Necessary, Says Jere

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Farai Jere has hailed their newly-signed broadcasting deal with Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN).
PSL and ZTN signed a partnership deal on Wednesday that will see ZTN broadcasting top-flight games live on their growing online platforms.
Speaking on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, Jere said:
<blockquote>We are excited because we are now certain our football will now go to the fans. The fans will be able to watch our football from this forum, ZTN.
This is going to be a milestone achievement. It will be a pay per view agreement which we are happy with.
And that will mean to say our fans will be able to watch their matches on even their gadgets wherever they are, no need to rush to get where the television is to watch a match.</blockquote>
Zimpapers CEO, Pikirayi Deketeke said traditionally they have covered the PSL through print media and the deal takes the relationship to a new level. He said:
<blockquote>We are taking the relationship even to a higher level. Because of the multimedia, people are not just reading their football, they can now watch their football on a gadget of their choice.
It’s really a milestone for us and we look forward to an exciting relationship. This might be television we are gathered here for but we have covered the Premiership in our newspapers for a long time.
We look forward to spreading out to other platforms like radio.</blockquote>
The first matches are expected to go on air next week when the PSL cluster tournament, featuring the 18 top-flight clubs, gets underway across four venues.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/pslztn-in-milestone-deal/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">H-Metro</a></h4>

PSL Chairman Farai Jere Hails Broadcasting Deal With ZTN

The commencement of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) will be preceded by a mini-tournament where the 18 clubs have been placed into four groups. The tournament gets underway this month.
PSL chairman Farai Jere said the League has secured sponsorship for the mini-tournament which will serve as a case study, as they check their systems, to try and adhere to COVID-19 regulations.
The sponsors, who will bankroll both the tournament and the league championship, are set to be unveiled at the official launch, in the next two weeks’ time. Said Jere:
<blockquote>We are starting with a tournament, which gets underway on the 15th of May.
Teams have been drawn into four groups, and we have got a sponsor for that tournament, but we are not, at this stage, going to announce the identity of the sponsor.
At the launch ceremony, which is set for within a week or so, you will know who the sponsor is.
We also have a proposal to resume the league on the 17th of July, that is the date of kick-off the league.</blockquote>
Delta Corporation are believed to be the sponsors of the tournament. The company will bankroll the Chibuku Super Cup first before the Castle Lager Premiership starts in two months’ time.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/psl-get-sponsor-championship-set-for-july/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League Get Sponsor

The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL) has implored the government to consider the football industry’s request for resumption in order to protect both clubs and players.
Speaking on radio programme Morning Grill, PSL chairman Farai Jere said clubs need to generate revenue as they have to honour players’ contracts and to renew their contracts.
Jere said players also need to be protected from possible career-ending injuries from money games they’re currently involved in to make ends meet.
The Caps United boss also said clubs will observe all health protocols including employing health officers at their training facilities. He said:
<blockquote>Clubs are prepared and want to see production from their assets (players) active. They’ve been paying salaries for no returns.
Since COVID-19 started last year, it has been expenses and more expenses for clubs.
… If you look across our borders, the players in South Africa and Zambia are coming from home and even when we were given the green light to train last year, our players trained coming from home and we never had problems.
… So, if you look at our players, these guys are not sitting at home, but playing social soccer although we haven’t heard any incidents. It’s us administrators that think players are lying idle when in fact they are active.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/psl-footballers-taking-part-in-money-games-jere/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/02/10/resumption-of-football-will-protect-clubs-players-jere/">For more on Farai Jere, please click here</a>

Resumption Of Football Will Protect Clubs & Players - Jere

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chief executive Kennedy Ndebele has responded to issues raised against him by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) which border on undermining the authority of the football mother body.
ZIFA accused Ndebele last month of making unfavourable statements to the Press regarding the resumption of football, writing to the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and World League Forum on the same matter.
ZIFA said Ndebele needed their authority to write those letters.
The other allegation raised was Ndebele’s failure to submit details of club accounts to ZIFA on request.
Statements to the Press were made by Ndebele between August and September and ZIFA asked Ndebele to confirm if the statements were his and also to confirm if he authored the letter to the SRC.
Premier Socer League (PSL) chairman, Farai Jere, who sits on the ZIFA board, told NewsDay that Ndebele had responded to the allegations and ZIFA were in possession of the correspondence. Said, Jere:
<blockquote>Kenny (Ndebele) responded to those allegations, but I have not seen the correspondence he made to Zifa. Zifa are with that letter and nothing has progressed from there. I know the PSL CEO has responded to those allegations.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/12/ndebele-responds-to-zifa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

PSL CEO Responds To ZIFA Allegations

There will be no local football matches this year after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) could not secure funding for the proposed mini-league tournament.
PSL chairman, Farai Jere said they could not secure sponsorship for the envisaged mini-tournament as companies had exhausted their budgets and were no longer in a position to fund football. Said, Jere:
<blockquote>Unfortunately, it was close to year-end and companies had exhausted their budgets and could not come on board to assist with financing the tournament.</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) was granted permission by Government to have the PSL and women’s Super League return to action after all football matches were banned in March under measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The competitions were set to have been held under a bio-bubble in a mini-league format but this will no longer be possible this year.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/sponsorship-scuttles-psl-mini-league/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday News</a></h4>

PSL Fails To Secure Sponsorship For Mini-league

PSL Chairman Farai Jere has announced plans to have a 2 weeks ZIFA Sponsored PSL bubble for the planned December mini-tournament, The Herald reports.
The bubble concept was first adopted by the Americans and they used it to complete their NBA season during the COVID-19 pandemic:
<blockquote>The 2020 NBA Bubble, was the isolation zone at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando, that was created by the National Basketball Association (NBA) to protect its players from the COVID-19 pandemic during the final eight games of the 2019–20 regular season and throughout the 2020 NBA playoffs.</blockquote>
Speaking about the PSL Bubble which he said will start in December Jere explained the concept of the bubble and  said:
<blockquote>
If we put our minds together, as football leaders, it will work perfectly. Government said it has to be phased, systematic and in a bubble. The PSL Medical Committee is working on the road map.
There has been a lot of confusion on what will happen with the bubble but let me try and clarify that. For starters, let’s agree we are still in pre-season. When clubs start training, we are not going to have players in the bubble for the six weeks of pre-season.
The bubble is expected to run for two weeks only when the tournament will be taking place. In South Africa, they were camped in one place for four weeks, just to complete their season. They did that because the coronavirus pandemic was at its peak that time.
Now, they are starting a new season, they are no longer going to have the same concept because it is costly. So it’s the same with us, the idea is that players will be training from home but they will be continuously be tested for Covid-19 and have temperature checks regularly.
Those with suspicious results will be recommended for follow-ups. Then, after the six weeks of training, the bubble will begin.
That is where the biggest risk is because they will be camped in one place. The matches will begin as soon as the teams get into the bubble.The cost of accommodation will be only for the two weeks when the tournament will be taking place.
We are still working on the budgets for the bubble.The initial budget was US$1.1 million but we are reviewing it, after slashing down some of the things that are not necessary, and after getting the appreciation of the things that are needed.
</blockquote>
Other football stakeholders suggested the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/10/18/psl-planning-a-mini-tournament-for-top-flight-league-teams-as-local-football-resume/">bubble when it was announced that domestic football can resume</a> but ZIFA was concerned about the cost of the bubble when it was suggested.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/psl-boss-explains-bubble-concept/">The Herald </a>

2 Weeks December Mini Tournament PSL Bubble On The Cards

While all matches will be <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/10/18/afcon-qualifiers-local-matches-to-be-played-in-empty-stadiums/">played in empty stadiums due to COVID-19 restrictions</a> on public gatherings, Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches will be live-streamed on Facebook and viewed by soccer fans with data, The Sunday News reports.
This was revealed by PSL Chairman Fari Jere who said PSL has entered into a partnership with an online streaming service that will stream the matches live on Facebook. According to the publication:
<blockquote>Jere said PSL entered into a contract with online streaming service, mycujoo that saw several games being streamed on Facebook Live and this is likely to be the platform through which fans will watch the game.
He also said they would be engaging the national broadcaster, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation on the flighting of live matches on ZTV.
While the PSL has a contract with ZBC, the national broadcaster last year only managed to broadcast a sizeable number of games and fans are fearful only those with internet access will watch the games.</blockquote>
Domestic football was given a green light to resume by the Sports and Recreational Commission on Friday and PSL is still finalizing on how they can safely hold a mini-football tournament since football resumed.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/psl-plan-mini-tourney-for-december/">The Sunday News </a>

PSL Matches To Be Streamed Live On Facebook - Report

CAPS United Boss, businessman Farai Jere was yesterday granted $20 000 bail by Justice Pisirayi Kwenda who said he could not find compelling reasons to justify the continued incarceration of Jere and his co-accused, The Herald reports.
In granting the trio bail, Justice Kwenda reportedly exclaimed his frustration and said:
<blockquote>It is certainly very wrong, if it is correct and later proved that the engineers who were dispatched to UK to do due diligence lied. If the Zesa engineers misrepresented to their own employer , that is something else</blockquote>
The judge reportedly also censored the prosecution which reportedly failed to present a case against Jere and his co-accused and reportedly said there was an element of fraud as they presented the case of the trio and said they lied to ZESA. Justice Kwenda reportedly said:
<blockquote>This is the High Court. If you bring cases like this we end up writing wrong judgments . . . a serious misconduct. It is clearly wrong to bring before judges issues which have no connection with the charges</blockquote>
Jere and his co-accused join other high profile cases like that of Hopewell Chino’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume to be granted bail by the high court after being denied bail at some point.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/businessman-jere-granted-bail/">The Herald</a>

CAPS United Boss Farai Jere Granted $20 000 Bail

CAPS United majority shareholder Farai Jere and 2 ZESA employees Leonard Chisina and Freeman Chikonzo were yesterday denied bail by a Harare Magistrate Lazini Ncube who said the trio could abscond trial if granted bail, New Zimbabwe reports.
In denying the trio bail, Ncube said:
<blockquote>No doubt that the accused are men of means and are capable of absconding if granted bail,” the magistrate ruled. What weighs against them the most is that there is overwhelming evidence against them and the amount involved is quite substantial. It is the court’s observation that there is overwhelming evidence against the accused as submitted by the state. Surrendering travelling documents does not mean one will not abscond.</blockquote>
It is the prosecutor’s case that:
<blockquote>Jere won a tender to supply ZETDC with 1 151 smart meters and a head-end system at a cost of US$3,566, 878.
However, Jere is alleged to have produced a fake factory acceptance test visit report to the effect that the smart meters and head-end system met ZETDC’s standards.
Chisina and Chikonzo stand accused of signing the fake report</blockquote>
The trio were remanded to 10 September by Ncube.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/fraud-accused-caps-united-boss-farai-jere-denied-bail/">New Zimbabwe </a>

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