Central Soccer League kicks off

Midlands Correspondent
THE Zifa Central Soccer League (CSL) roars into life this weekend with nine fixtures lined up. Eighteen clubs are affiliated to the CSL in this season’s campaign, with ZRP Gwanda and Esigodini-based Habane Sharks being the league debutants, while NM Academy and Jessie Mine make a welcome return after a season in Division Two.

Sable Chemicals has rebranded itself to Kwekwe Sables following the pulling out of its principal sponsor, while Shurugwi-based platinum miners Todal Mine has been renamed Nichrut after businessman Nicholas Gara diluted the club’s shareholding.

The league will, however, kick-off without a sponsor despite assurances by CSL chairman Stanley Chapeta that it would be branded during his election campaign.

Chapeta assured clubs that “something would be on the table” by May.

“I want to assure our clubs that they will not be playing for nothing this season and I appeal to them to be patient as we conclude our talks with potential sponsors. Something will be on the table by May,” said Chapeta.

The CSL boss also hinted that a potential sponsor could also come on board to bankroll a knock-out tournament. CSL returnees Whawha, former Premiership outfit Shabanie Mine, MSU and seasoned campaigners Tongogara are the favourites.

Shabanie Mine open their account with what on paper seems to be a relatively easy assignment against Jessie Mine at Maglas Stadium tomorrow. Head coach Tendai Chikuni said he would want to begin with a win to build on to ensure that the club returns to the topflight league after a two-season hiatus.

In other fixtures, Whawha travel to Munyati for a date with ZPC Munyati, while MSU are at home against FC Platinum Under-19 in a tricky assignment.

A Kwekwe derby is in the offing as Ivan Hoe take on Tongogara at Amaveni.

Fixtures

Today: ZRP Beitbridge vs NM Academy (Dulibadzimu), ZPC Munyati vs Whawha (Munyati), MSU vs FC Platinum Under 19 (MSU), Ivan Hoe vs Tongogara (Amaveni), Habane Sharks vs ZRP Gwanda (Mpelela)

Tomorrow: Shabanie Mins Vs Jessie Mine (Maglas), Chrome Stars vs Vumbachikwe (Chrome), Gweru United vs Blanket (Ascot), Nichriut vs Kwekwe Sables (Peak Mine)