Bulawayo junior league turmoil after two clubs are expelled over fees

Ajax Hotspurs and Njube Hotspurs have been expelled from the Bulawayo Province Junior Soccer League after failing to settle affiliation fees. Both clubs also carried unpaid debts from the previous season, leaving Ajax’s future in the competition uncertain.

The expulsions follow a rule adopted at the league’s annual general meeting requiring clubs to pay half of their affiliation fees during the first half of the season and the balance before the second half begins. Clubs pay US$200 in affiliation fees and a further US$100 for registration.

The financial problems extend beyond the two expelled teams. Thirty-five other clubs are reported to be in arrears, while a significant number of teams have yet to affiliate with Zifa or clear their 2026 payments. The situation has led some clubs to consider leaving the Zifa structure, partly because the junior league no longer has direct representation on the Zifa Council.

Zifa Bulawayo Province finance board member Dyke Magwanyanya said clubs were being encouraged to submit payment plans rather than abandon the system. The provincial body wants junior players to remain active and registered, while also ensuring clubs are formally connected to national football structures.

Registration on Fifa Connect is another reason officials are urging clubs to pay. Keeping players’ records within the recognised football system can help clubs claim development and solidarity payments if those players later make major moves. The unpaid fees could affect more than 600 children if their clubs are unable to continue.

The dispute comes against the background of a strong football tradition in Bulawayo’s junior competitions. The league has developed players including Madinda Ndlovu, Ronald Sibanda, Willard Khumalo, Peter Ndlovu, Zenzo Moyo, Agent Sawu, Peter Nkomo and Richard Choruma. Ajax have also previously struggled financially during Division One campaigns, despite producing players such as Devine Lunga and Peter Muduhwa, who went on to reach the Premiership.