ZIFA says it will not back back down on standardisation stance for both players in the and the coaches in the Premier Soccer League.

According to ZIFA players without licences will not be allowed to play in second week of Castle Lager Premiership while coaches without the necessary qualifications are not allowed from even entering the field of play.

A statement from ZIFA Communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said:

“In the opening games of the 2017 Premier Soccer League season, we allowed some teams to play without licences since the licensing process was still in progress.

“However, players without licences will not be allowed to play in the second round of fixtures because the Zimbabwe Football Association has issued licences to all registered and eligible players.

“We also would like to reiterate that no unqualified coaches are allowed to sit on the bench and that CAF A licences are still a prerequisite.

“We are very much aware that some clubs have dodged the system by appointing unqualified coaches as team managers.

“As ZIFA, we take great exception this dubious distinction, and we urge clubs to be professional.

“Coaches without requisite badges are also prohibited from entering the field during warm-up.

“We have also noted with dismay that some clubs are still utilising the services of unqualified medical personnel.

“Let me explicitly state that only qualified medical doctors and physiotherapists are allowed to sit on the bench,” Gwesela said.