ZIFA ruling confirms Chirinda as Ngezi player

Philemon Jambaya

Harare, Zimbabwe - The long-running transfer wrangle involving star striker Obriel Chirinda has finally been settled, with the Zimbabwe Football Association Player Status Committee ruling in favour of Ngezi Platinum.

Chirinda found himself at the centre of a controversy after reportedly signing contracts with both Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum during the transfer window. The Premier Soccer League subsequently withheld his license to play, forcing him to watch from the sidelines for the first third of the season.

In a landmark decision, the Zifa Player Status Committee declared Chirinda’s contract with Dynamos invalid. The committee ruled that Dynamos failed to follow proper procedure by not seeking a transfer clearance from Bulawayo Chiefs, Chirinda’s previous club.

On the other hand, the committee recognized Ngezi Platinum's efforts to involve Bulawayo Chiefs in the transfer process, validating Chirinda’s contract with the Mhondoro-based club.

This decision brings an end to a saga that has dominated Zimbabwean football headlines for months. Chirinda, a fringe Warriors player, can now finally lace up his boots for Ngezi Platinum, bolstering their attack in their pursuit of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.