Hwange FC Challenge Bulawayo Chiefs Over Alleged Use of Ineligible Player

Hwange FC have officially lodged a complaint with the Southern Region Soccer League (SRSL) accusing log leaders Bulawayo Chiefs of fielding an ineligible player, Anesu Saiti, in violation of the league’s registration rules.

In a formal letter addressed to the league’s secretariat, Hwange allege that Saiti was improperly registered and featured for two different clubs, Bulawayo City and Bulawayo Chiefs, within the same half of the 2025 season.

According to Hwange, the player turned out for Bulawayo City in the first 12 matches of the campaign before appearing for Bulawayo Chiefs from Week 13, beginning on July 5, 2025.

“The player was on loan to Bulawayo City from Black Mambas and was cleared by his parent club to play for Bulawayo Chiefs,” reads part of Hwange’s letter.

However, the coalminers insist that Bulawayo City never issued a formal clearance letter for the player, a requirement under Article 18.1 of the league’s Rules and Regulations, which governs transfers and player eligibility between clubs during the same registration window.

“Anesu Saiti played for two teams in the same first half of the season, which is against the rules,” Hwange stated. “It resulted in him featuring three times against Hwange FC in the same season, once while at Bulawayo City and twice with Bulawayo Chiefs. We therefore lodge a complaint that Bulawayo Chiefs have been using an ineligible and improperly registered player from Week 13″.

The complaint comes at a crucial stage of the title race, with Bulawayo Chiefs currently leading the SRSL standings on 67 points, five ahead of second-placed Hwange after matchday 29.

If the league upholds Hwange’s complaint, the decision could have significant implications for the championship race and the promotion battle, as potential sanctions could include point deductions or match forfeitures.

League officials are yet to publicly comment on the matter, but the SRSL disciplinary committee is expected to review Hwange’s protest in the coming days.

This development adds a dramatic twist to what has been one of the most fiercely contested seasons in the Southern Region Soccer League, with both Hwange and Bulawayo Chiefs vying for promotion to the Premier Soccer League.