Castle Lager Premier Soccer League comes to Beitbridge

CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League debutants Border Strikers have been given the nod to use their home ground Dulivhadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge, albeit temporarily.

They will host Chapungu at Dulivhadzimu in their first real home match in the topflight league on Sunday afternoon.

PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare said permission was granted up to match day 15 following an inspection of the stadium by the PSL on June 10.

"PSL appreciates the progress that has been made to date. However, there are still areas that need attention. Another inspection will be carried out in July 2016," said Bare.

The league debutants had been forced to play their home matches about 300KM away from the border town at Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane after Dulivhadzimu had initially been condemned for failing to meet the minimum requirements following the first inspection in December 2015.

An elated Border Strikers coach Saul Chaminuka said: "This decision was long overdue and morale is very high in the team. We're happy to be playing at our preferred home ground and are calling on our supporters to rally behind us in their numbers. We're going to do our best to remain in the PSL."

Border Strikers board of trustees' vice-chairman Hosea Muleya commended the PSL for their decision.

"We want to thank all those who walked with us through the journey. We will continue working with everyone, including the Beitbridge Town Council, in attending to all the areas that were pointed out for improvement by the grounds inspection committee," said Muleya.

"As the board of trustees, we're now shifting all our efforts to the welfare of the players and the team since we've passed the first challenging phase. We want to assure everyone associated with the Border Strikers family that we will not let them down," he said.

Muleya said the latest development would also boost accommodation and retail businesses in the town.

Border Strikers' secretary Rodlet Chigwinya said playing at home would ensure his team raises some revenue to cover operational costs.

"We're expecting a full house at every home match. This will go a long way in addressing our financial challenges," said Chigwinya.

Beitbridge Town Council secretary Loud Ramakgapola said the community was excited with the latest development, since they had invested a lot of money in sprucing up the stadium to meet the PSL minimum standards.

"Everyone is excited that we've managed to bring topflight football to the town. We will continue working with all like-minded people to ensure that we meet all requirements by the PSL. This is a job well done to everyone who took part in ensuring that we upgrade Dulivhadzimu in the shortest possible time," said Ramakgapola.