Although the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has yet to confirm Northern Region Division 1 side MWOS FC as its 18th team for the 2025 season, this information is now public knowledge.
MWOS FC purchased ZPC Hwange’s top-flight slot in a deal whose details explain why the Matebeleland North side chose to overlook offers from Bulawayo Chiefs and last season’s runner-up Casmyn.
According to a source close to the negotiation,s ZPC Hwange will not have to worry about salaries, winning bonuses and kits anymore.
Those will be taken care of by MWOS FC, who will also refurbish a ground preferred by the Hwange side, a ground which is not The Colliery.
A US$150,000 franchise purchase price was agreed on January 22, 2025 to add onto the above.
Recently relegated Hwange had put forward a US$70,000 cheque with requests that they be allowed to stagger payments. Efforts to ascertain how much Bulawayo Chiefs were prepared to offer were unsuccessful.
“We are beyond excited to announce our strategic football development partnership with ZPC Hwange FC which will see MWOS FC gaining participation rights into the PSL this year,” said the Norton side after reaching an agreement in Harare.
“As we gear up for our PSL debut in 2025, we are not just aiming for the stars – we are committed to uplifting grassroots football across Zimbabwe! Together, we will invest in youth programs, enhance facilities, and empower local talent to shine on the big stage.”
To appease part of the Hwange community, which had waited for years to see their side graduate from ZIFA’s Southern region Division 1 league, a series of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities have been lined up.
Identified schools and clinics are expected to benefit from the initiative.
To appease players who fought tooth and nail to achieve promotion, MWOS FC has reportedly pledged allowances and an opportunity to trial and get signed for those who will be successful.
“No well meaning administrator would have said no to the offer presented by MWOS FC, especially to a team such as ZPC Hwange,” said the source.
“This will not just ensure ZPC Hwange’s survival but plough back millions of US dollars into a community that has supported them over years.”
According to the source MWOS FC will also pour millions into setting up an ‘academy’ at ZPC Hwange, a feeder for both teams.
