The Zimbabwe Women’s Premier League, which was founded in 2011, is set to undergo major changes following the election of a new interim board at the Zimbabwean Football Association (ZIFA).

Theresa Maguraushe is leading the interim executive while being deputized by Faith Drive Queens director Dumisani Sithole, as the old exco was removed from office by a vote of no confidence from the stakeholders, including the clubs. 

Sithole, who was also elected as the spokesperson for the executive board, revealed that the Women’s Premier League, which is set to kick off on April 13, will for the first time see the introduction of fourth-match officials. 

Sithole stated that the league has been running without fourth officials, and their introduction is one of the steps taken by the exco to professionalize it. 

“The Women’s Super League kicks off on April 13, and we are going to professionalize it,” Sithole said. “Previously, the women’s football top league has been running without fourth officials.” 

Referees paid in advance

To ensure the smooth running of the league, Sithole disclosed that referees, including fourth officials, have been paid in advance until the end of the season. 

“We have already paid the referees in advance until the end of the season. We have introduced the fourth officials, and they too have been paid till the end of the season,” Sithole stated. 

Players in the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier League have also been playing without registering licenses and the exco says it will now introduce an electronic registration system.

“Players have been playing without licenses, and it has been an animal farm. We are also going to be registering the players the same way the Premier Soccer League does it, through the FIFA Connect System,” Sithole disclosed. 

The interim exco also stated it aims to see equal pay between male and female footballers.

READ MORE: Why Barbra Banda will not play for Orlando Pride until April