Disciplinary proceedings in the Matabeleland South Pool B league have brought questions over player eligibility, match administration and governance into focus, with Beitbridge-based clubs calling for greater transparency and consistent enforcement of competition rules.

The latest development involves Dulibadzimu United U19, who have been summoned to appear before a ZIFA Matabeleland South Ad Hoc Disciplinary Committee over allegations of fielding ineligible players against Vhembe Stars Academy.

In a letter dated 26 October 2026, ZIFA Mat South administrator S Zhou directed Dulibadzimu United U19 to attend a hearing on Friday, 30 October, at 10:30am at the ZIFA Mat South offices in Gwanda.

The summons refers to the teams’ fixture at Dulibadzimu Stadium on 4 October 2026 and cites Article 11 of the ZIFA Mat South Football League rules and regulations.

The club has been asked to bring proof of clearance, a written explanation, its team list, and Joe Innocent Mavembi and Adel Gerald Chipuye.

The allegations have yet to be determined by the disciplinary committee, and the summons does not constitute a finding of misconduct against Dulibadzimu United U19.

However, the matter has prompted wider calls from stakeholders for a review of player registration and match administration across Pool B, particularly in fixtures involving Vhembe Stars Academy.

Questions have been raised about the registration status of several players reportedly fielded by Vhembe Stars during the season, including Bernard Saranji, Shawn Chabharwa, Freddie Phiri, Phineus Pioneer, also known as Mdebele Malapela, William and Clint Maradona.

Those raising concerns are calling for the verification of player licences, registration records and official match sheets to establish whether all players were eligible to participate. The allegations have not been independently established, and Vhembe Stars Academy should have an opportunity to respond to the concerns.

Rival clubs have also questioned whether the names recorded on official team sheets consistently corresponded with the players who took part in matches. Fixtures identified for review include Vhembe Stars’ matches against Nottingham and West, as well as games involving BBJ, Ha Mozy and Dulibadzimu United.

Further clarification has been sought over a reported red card issued to Freddie Phiri in a match against Nottingham and whether the applicable suspension rules were observed in subsequent fixtures.

Governance and potential conflicts of interest have also emerged as areas of concern. Questions have been raised about Lodwell Ziyaduma, also known as Ziyah Duma, who is alleged to have a league administrative role while maintaining links to Vhembe Stars Academy. The nature of those alleged links and any potential conflict would need to be clarified by the relevant parties.

Stakeholders are urging ZIFA Mat South to explain how player registrations are checked, how match officials verify team sheets and how disciplinary decisions are applied across the league.

For Beitbridge football, the issue extends beyond one disciplinary case. Clubs want confidence that the competition is administered transparently, with the same regulations applying to every participant.

Any complaints should be examined through the appropriate procedures, with evidence assessed fairly and all parties given an opportunity to respond. Clear communication from the league and its administrators would help address concerns and protect the credibility of the competition.

As Dulibadzimu United U19 prepares for its scheduled hearing, attention will be on the disciplinary committee’s findings and whether the wider questions surrounding Pool B administration receive formal clarification.