The ambiguity regarding the future of FC Hunters has been cleared, amid revelations that the club has sealed a partnership deal with 2025 Northern Region Soccer League runners up N’ombeyaora.
N’ombeyaora, owned by Mabvuku legislator Pedzai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya, missed out on promotion on the final day of the season after they were edged 1-0 by MWOS-19, paving way for the promotion of Agama.
Hunters on the other hand, won a historic Eastern Region championship under the tutelage of 28-year-old coach Cliffford Dzvairo.
Financial constraints have however resulted in a cloud of uncertainty surrounding Hunters’ participation in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, paving way for the N’ombeyaora partnership.
The deal, confirmed by a well- placed source at Hunters, will see the club taking part in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, using the name FC Hunters with Rudhaka Stadium set to undergo significant renovations to meet top-flight standards.
A women’s team will also be established, marking a new era for the Marondera-based club.
“Hunters and N’ombeyaora have entered into a partnership which will see the joining forces to establish a team which will participate in the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League,” said the source.
“The team will be called FC Hunters, a decision which was easy to make because as you know, N’ombeyaora also referred to themselves as ‘The Hunters’.
“This is a massive deal for the football-loving people of Marondera as they will enjoy Premiership football at Rudhaka, as well as a well-funded team,” added the source.
The N’ombeyaora deal, dubbed the “midnight deal”, comes after a failed agreement with Harare City Council, which was met with public backlash amid claims that the City Fathers paid US$600,000.
It’s still not clear whether some Hunters players who still have running contracts, will still be part of the project.
