Division One looks for new sponsor

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE ZIFA Northern Region Division One soccer league is expected to get underway this weekend without their main sponsors, World Navi, after the two parties agreed to terminate their partnership.

The league went into partnership with the Japanese-based company, which is involved in selling second-hand cars, last year and they received playing kits for the league teams and two vehicles, one of which was for the Soccer Star of the Year.

The other one was won by a fan in a raffle draw.

ZIFA Northern Region chairman Willard Manyengavana confirmed the developments yesterday and said they were hoping to get a new sponsor for the league.

“We were concerned with what they are offering. In short, we are terminating our relationship with World Navi, it’s a mutual agreement and we need to look at other options.

“We are working flat out to make sure that we have another sponsor this season.

“Yes, the season is starting on the 11th and we haven’t finalised any relationship, but we are in the process and hopeful that very soon we should wrap up the issue of sponsorship.

“But I can assure our members that we are working flat out to get another sponsor,” said Manyengavana.

The league was initially expected to begin last week but was moved to this week with most of the top teams from the previous season playing at home.

Gunners, who were the runners-up last year, will take on league returnees, Lake Harvest, at Rufaro as their home ground Lafarge is still to be inspected.

The game between the two teams will be played in the morning to accommodate the Black Queens of Ghana, who are set to use the venue for their practice session tomorrow ahead of their tie against the Mighty Warriors on Sunday.

Mushowani Stars have a date with newcomers Darwin at Chaminuka and Ngezi Platinum will lock horns with newboys Zatex at Baobab.

It will be a battle of the uniformed forces when Black Rhinos, who were relegated from the Premiership last year, take on Seven Flames.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Karoi v DStv Rangers (Chikangwe), Cargo Carriers v ZRP Morris (GMB Aspindale), Blue Swallows v Starbill (Manyame), Ngezi Platinum v Zatex (Baobab), Herentials v Blue Jets (National Sports Stadium), ZRP FC v DC Academy (Morris), Gunners v Lake Harvest (Rufaro 11.30am), Mushowani v Darwin (Chaminuka).

Sunday: Black Rhinos v Seven Flames (Rimuka).