Online Reporter
Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]
IT was game on at the weekend as the Bulawayo Corporates Social Soccer League’s 2026 season got underway, with eight matches played across the city.
After a lengthy off-season break, teams returned to the field eager to begin their campaigns on a winning note. While some sides made impressive starts, others struggled, appearing ill-prepared on the day.
The opening round of the 18-team league produced an impressive 30 goals, featuring a mix of dominant victories and closely contested encounters.
Hope FC delivered the standout performance of the weekend, thrashing Speed Shipping FC 6-1 to move to the top of the early log standings.
Warehouse Distributors also made a strong statement, scoring five goals against Evergold, who managed just one in reply. Simbisa secured a convincing 4-1 away victory over Lonestar, while Chibuku edged Zimtile 2-1 in a tightly contested match.
Value Gas claimed a 2-0 win over Grill. Nust Academy Stars beat Overnight Express 2-1.
Owing to the incessant drizzle on Saturday afternoon, the game pitting McDonalds versus Proton and the Millenium FC and Ostrich FC were called off.
Meanwhile, the Bulawayo Corporates Social Soccer League chairperson Timothy Mandizvidza has urged companies to engage in sporting activities as way one way of motivating workers and help them maintain healthy lifestyles that are key to community well-being.
He said the start of the season also marks a new chapter as they seek to be more visible and help position companies closer to the communities they serve.
“The main objective is to have our workers playing and take some time to refresh, away from work. The league is more of a healthy programme that helps the players to stay fit,” he said.
“We encourage corporates to ensure that their workers get in involved in sport. A healthy workforce is good for the company and better for the country,” he said.
