5-A-Side season starts in April

FUTSAL Five-A-Side national chairman Philani Banda has announced that the Southern Region and Northern Region games for the 2025 season will commence in the first week of April.

In an interview yesterday, Banda stated that they are still laying the foundation for a smooth progression of this year’s campaign.

“The games for the Southern and Northern Region leagues will start in the first week of April. It’s all about ensuring a uniform start and a synchronised finish in the leagues, as we also have tournaments scheduled,” said Banda.

He added: “We are looking forward to another successful year. We are also appealing to sponsors to come on board and support this fast-growing sport in any way possible. We aim to introduce Five-A-Side football to both young boys and girls at a national level.”

The Futsal Southern Region League consists of defending champions Amabhubesi FC, Young Boys FC, Bombers FC, South Wonder FC, Nedbank FC, Goboys FC, Fox FC, Entumbane Stars FC, Mzilikazi FC, and TNS FC.

The Northern Region League comprises 401 FC, 16 Views FC, Chibhobho FC, Tace Mundi AC, Kilworth United, Gelens Stars FC, Real Stars, Bundu Boys, Sunshine, and TFC Roger.

Five-A-Side football teams field five players – four outfield players and a goalkeeper.

Other differences from association football include a smaller pitch, smaller goals, and a reduced game duration.

Matches are played indoors or outdoors on artificial grass pitches, which may be enclosed within a barrier or “cage” to prevent the ball from leaving the playing area and to keep the game constantly flowing.

Five-A-Side football is an informal, small-sided game with flexible rules, often agreed upon before play begins.

The penalty area is semi-circular, and only the goalkeeper may handle the ball within it.

There are no offside rules, headers are allowed, and yellow and red cards function similarly to traditional 11-A-Side football. — @FungaiMuderere.