The “Sunshine Boys” are on the verge of a dramatic return to Zimbabwe’s elite football tier. Recent reports indicate that Harare City Council (HCC) is in advanced negotiations to acquire the Premier Soccer League (PSL) franchise of newly promoted Hunters FC.
The proposed deal, which seeks to restore top-flight football to the municipality after a three-season absence, has reached a critical stage as both parties negotiate the final valuation. Initially, Marondera-based Hunters FC, who recently earned promotion from the Eastern Region Division One, placed a US$1 million price tag on their PSL slot. However, Harare City is reportedly pushing for a much lower figure.
Instead of a direct cash purchase, the municipality is pursuing a creative “swap and top” arrangement to close the valuation gap. Harare City Council’s representative in the negotiations, Housing Manager Mr. Edgar Dzehonye, dismissed claims surrounding the US$1 million figure, saying discussions were still ongoing.
“Negotiations are underway, and the amount mentioned is merely an asking price. We have significantly reduced the figure, and the purchase will be done through a swap-and-top deal. We are exchanging our Harare Northern Region Division One franchise and topping up with cash to acquire Hunters FC’s PSL franchise,” said Dzehonye.
Under the proposed structure, Hunters FC would take over Harare City’s current place in the Northern Region Division One while also receiving an additional cash payment in exchange for surrendering their PSL status.
While the footballing rationale is clear Harare City aims to avoid the demanding Division One promotion race the move has attracted internal scrutiny. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has urged caution, noting that although preliminary signatures may have been secured, the deal must still undergo full council approval.
The potential acquisition comes at a time when the council has faced criticism over service delivery and the condition of sporting infrastructure, including persistent drainage problems at Rufaro Stadium.
