adminRay Bande and Fungai Munyoro
THE Eastern Region Division One 2015 season gets underway this weekend with five new clubs joining the league while two have been relegated to less fashionable Division Two.
Fair Range, Melfort, Ruwa Gunners, Masvingo United breakaway outfit Masvingo City Dortmund and Mutoko Traders make up the list of the new five clubs that will be joining the Eastern Region Division One League this season.
In a brief interview in Mutare on Tuesday morning, soft-spoken Zifa Eastern Region chairman Piraishe Mabhena confirmed that the league resumes this weekend.
The Chiredzi-based football administrator also confirmed that two teams have been relegated to Division One while the third one to be relegated — Gaza Gunners — was latter recalled to cater for the Chipinge community, which has been churning out a number of talented players over the years.
“We are definitely going to resume the league this weekend and the clubs are already aware. We feel we cannot wait any longer since time might not be on our side.
“We have new clubs that have joined us for the 2015 season and we hope it will be a competitive league. Fair Range, Melfort, Ruwa Gunners, Masvingo City Dortmund and Mutoko Traders are the five teams that will be joining us this season.
“Chipinge-based Gaza Gunners had also been relegated last season but we have also decided to invite them back into the league as long as they can meet the financial demands.
“The decision was made simply because of the Chipinge community which has been churning out a number of talented players over the years. We felt that it would not be in the interest of the development of the game if we just drop them,” said the former chairman of the now defunct Hippo Valley FC.
However, Chivhu United and Birchenough Bridge Support Unit outfit Black Eagles remain relegated.
Meanwhile, Gaza Gunners owner Shingai Mathabuka is already looking ahead to the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One league 2015 season.
“We are actually back and fighting to honours. Last season we faced financial problems and this time we are trying by all means to boost our coffers,” said Mathabuka.
Gaza Gunners have produced a lot of players who are plying their trade in the more competitive leagues such as Lloyd Katongomara, Leo Chawira and Kudzi Mangondo who are playing for Mutare army side Buffaloes while Don Madzima joined Hwahwa and dreadlocked left back Moses “Kalito” Gutu joined How Mine.
The duo of Rodwell Mhlanga and Blessing Zabula is turning out for Chapungu while Aleck Mhlanga joined Caps United.
Other Gaza Gunners products Kudzai Chideu, Tatenda Chunya, Tichaona Mapungwana, Shady Chichevo have signed for Premiership newboys Dongo FC. Gaza Gunners, formed in 2009, got promoted into Division One in 2010.
“I have passion for soccer that is why I formed this club and I also want to give back to the community because they have helped me get where I am right now. Because of the passion I have for the sport, I am also part of the players,” said Mathabuka.
Mathabuka thanked the regional soccer administration body for giving his club another chance to play in the Division One League.
“I am very happy to be given another chance. It also means that we are a very important part of Zimbabwe soccer and it also shows that my efforts are being appreciated despite the hardships,” he said.
Online Reporter