Bantu Rovers  executive have decided to split the club in to two groups which will see the relaunch of the professional side before 2019 season.

The two principal partners, Methembe Ndlovu and Peter Grieve have decided to segregate activities to allow for a narrow focus on the two key areas that provide value to local players, solid local player development and a strong link to European clubs.

According to a statement issued by the club, Ndlovu will focus on youth development through The Bantu Youth Development Academy while Grieve focuses on building the European portfolio in 2018 before the professional team relaunches in Zimbabwe in time for the 2019 season.

Wilbert Sibanda will be President and CEO of the professional side.  He will be working closely with sister club in Gibraltar, Europa PT FC.

Ndlovu said the development will give a clear pathway to European professional football, and academic and non-football career pathways for talented African youth.

“Peter and I have shared a vision for supporting African players find pathways to the highest levels of football, and this allows us to be more focused moving forward. The Bantu Academy will produce players of the right quality to make the European grade which dovetails with the aspirations of the professional team,” said Methembe.

The Bulawayo side will be playing football in division one next year after they were relegated from the premier soccer league with seven games to play.