Division One kick-off date set

Fungayi Munyoro
STIFF competition is expected in this years’ ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League season as most of the teams begun their preparations in time, while most clubs have made no secret of their intentions of gaining Premiership promotion.The ZIFA Eastern Region Division One soccer season, according to chairman Piraishe Mabhena, will officially kick-off during the first week of next month with four teams coming in to replace relegated Chivhu Stars, Gaza Gunners and Black Eagles.

The four teams promoted are Mutoko Traders from Mutoko, Fair Range from Chiredzi, Melfort from Mashonaland East and Mutare-based Bottle Tigers formerly Coca-Cola.

Crest FC which was promoted last year pulled out as well as FC Three Leaves citing financial constraints.

Mabhena confirmed that the league will commence during the first week of April.

“I can confirm that we are starting our league during the first week of April and if we fail we will then push it to the second week, but I am sure we can make it by the first week,” said Mabhena.

This year the number of teams in the league was increased to 18.

Last year, Dongo Sawmill finished on top of the log table with 67 points and booked their ticket into the top-flight, while Mutare City Rovers finished two points behind them.

Eastern Stars were on 60 points, while former Premier League side, Masvingo United managed to gather 57 points. Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services side, Tenax FC finished on fifth position with 53 points.

Last year’s runners-up, Rovers who missed promotion by a whisker began their preparations on a low note after losing a number of players to Premier League Clubs.

Four of their players, Tawanda Contino, Kelvin Katandike, Khumbulani “Jomo” Njovo and Lawrence Masibeira left for Premiership new boys, Dongo Sawmills, while Never Tigere found a new home at Caps United.

The duo of goalkeeper, Tatenda “The Brazilian” Munditi and skipper, Hebron “Adala” Makukutu are now at Harare City.

Despite losing the cream, Mutare City Rovers coach, Kennie “Bokande” Kachara remains optimistic and indicates that he will leave no stone unturned in gunning for promotion.

“We are looking for experienced players to rebuild the team. Yes, we have lost quite a number of players, but I know I will get there. We have identified the players we want and we have spoken to them, but we are still waiting for clearances from their clubs. At the moment I can not divulge their names until we are done with our negotiations,” said Kachara.

There were also changes in the technical department as Simba Mukundu and Stephen Chinhengo who were assisting Kachara last year left the club and have since been replaced by Taurai Makukutu and former player, Isaac Nengomasha who is yet to recover from a knee injury picked early last year.

Tenax on the other hand, have managed to start their preparations with most of their players returning to help make another crack at the promotion bid.

“We have managed to bring back almost every player save for left-back, Jose Jamu who joined Buffaloes FC and Farai Mugumwa who is now at Flame Lily. We played a number of friendly matches including the Herentals Tournament which was an eye-opener. We are confident that we will make it this season,” said the newly appointed Tenax secretary, Elisha Chirashanye.

Tenax have secured the services of former Buffaloes goal-minder Ndega Matsika on a one-year contract as the head coach.

Matsika will be assisted by Itai Makumi and Richie Marandu formerly of Dongo Sawmills.

Mutoko Traders who finished on second position in Mashonaland East and showed interest to play in the highly competitive league are also ready to have their presence felt.

The team is financed by businessman Chido Mudzonganyama and renovations at their home ground, Chikondoma Stadium are underway.
“Work is already underway to upgrade the facility at Chikondoma

Stadium in Mutoko to meet the standards of Division One. We hope to finish by the time the season kicks-off. We are ready for the challenges of Division One soccer as we have done all the necessary preparations. We have also managed to purchase a bus to ease transport problems,” said Mudzonganyama.

Mutoko Traders started off as a social soccer league outfit in 2010 and joined Division Two in 2013 and were last year’s runners-up. They were invited by ZIFA to play in the First Division.