HARARE CITY saved themselves the embarrassment of becoming the first Zimbabwean Division One team to play in the CAF Confederation Cup by pulling out of the African safari.

The Sunshine Boys won the right to represent Zimbabwe in the Confederation Cup after winning the Chibuku Super Cup in November and immediately declared they would play in Africa but the club executive has now made a U-turn following the team’s relegation from the top flight.

There was also pressure for the team to pull out from influential people like the Harare City Mayor Ben Manyenyeni who once questioned the team’s spending habits.

The Mayor’s allegations were however disputed by club chairman Alois Masepe and Treasurer Tendai Kwenda.

However, Harare City FC media and liaison officer Michael Chideme confirmed the pullout.

“I can confirm that our executive has sat and agreed that we will not participate in Africa. This is due to the fact that our team has been relegated so we need to concentrate in Division One to ensure a quick return to the top flight,” said Chideme.

The decision taken by the executive could see the club losing key players such as Tendai Samanja and Edwin Madhanaga who have been linked with FC Platinum as well as Martin Vengesayi and William Manondo.