Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE 2026 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One season kicks-off this weekend, with AMV and GreenFuel emerging as top contenders for the sole Premiership promotional spot.
After a delayed start, ZIFA Eastern Region board member, Stefan Masina, confirmed that the season is finally underway.
The preseason build-up has pundits favouring these two clubs, but the competition is expected to be fierce.
“Our preparations for the 2026 season have been going on well. In this 2026 season, we have 20 teams competing. The competition is promising fireworks with every team fighting for the sole promotion ticket to PSL. We also have the Munhumutapa Cup to fight for again. There is evident zeal among the participating teams to at least make their impact felt, so we are anxiously waiting for the start of the matches this weekend,” said Masina.
However, as the league season kicks-off, it is GreenFuel and AMV that are fast becoming the bookmakers’ favourites, perhaps owing to their hyperactivity on the player transfer market as well as the depth of preparations for both teams.
The ZIFA board member (competitions) expressed satisfaction at the workshops and meeting held to improve professional conduct during the course of the season.
“Only recently, we held an induction workshop, combined with interviews for the newly promoted teams who wish to be part of the Eastern Region family this coming season. On the induction, two of the relegated teams, GreenFuel and Bikita Minerals attended. We covered mostly the rules and regulations where we touched key areas such as the coaches’ qualifications, registration and contracts of players and how to become a member among other provisions.
“We managed to clear all the grey areas and it is my conviction that the new clubs are now fully aware of the marriage they are getting into. We had teams drawn from Masvingo, Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces, and I can simply say the teams were so excited to be given an opportunity to attend the induction. We also had workshops for club leaders in Nyanga where rules and regulations were once again emphasised to affiliate clubs” said Masina.
Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One debutants, Bikita Chida Athletic sets the tone tomorrow (Saturday) as they welcome Chivhu Football Club at Lithium Stadium.
Manica Diamonds Under-19 welcome Africa Minerals Ventures at Chisamba, Boys DzeNharo, GreenFuel FC fresh from their Premier Soccer League adventure, entertain Grand Legacy FC at the GreenFuel Arena, while debutants, Power FC host Tongogara United Football Club at Gaths Mine Stadium.
Zhalala Zhululu FC as controversial FC Wangu Mazodze are referred to conclude Saturday’s action with a date against Four Lions FC at Mucheke Stadium in a Masvingo derby.
Sunday will see Maramba Stadium playing host to Renco Mine against Mutare City Rovers FC.
Uhera Stadium will host Deportivo La Murambinda against Destiny Stars Football Club, while Tenax CS FC, last year’s Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League runners-up welcome Yadah FC at Mutare Boys’ High School. Masvingo United and Great Zimbabwe University FC will clash at Mucheke Stadium in another potentially explosive Masvingo derby.
Bikita Minerals FC and Buffaloes FC face off at Lithium Stadium in Bikita.
