Double header kicks off Southern Region League

THE Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League is expected to get to an explosive start with a double header at White City where Pacific Breeze will be presented as sponsors of the championship.

Zifa Southern Region have said the launch will be accompanied by pomp and splendor assuring the fans of a fun filled and day to remember.

“We are so excited to be launching the 2026 season. We have decided that we start with a double header and we appeal to fans to come forward and enjoy a great day of football. We have lined up a number of activities to punctuate the day,” said Zifa Southern Region.

Hwange always among the favourites when campaigning in Division One travel to White City Stadium for a date with Bulawayo City for a repeat of last week’s Dibula Matibula Tournament semi-final duel.

The match between the two ended in a 1-1 draw before it proceeded straight to penalties in which the coal miners won 5-4.

The coalminers will be without several key players from last year, Kelly Shiyandindi who moved to Bulawayo Chiefs, Marceline Mlilo at MWOS, Tawanda Shenje and Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders) and Cleopas Dube who is at Nkayi United.

Prichard Mpelele joined Blackrock while Dominic Chungwa called it a day, taking up employment at the Colliery.

Perhaps the biggest loss was eight goal hero and playmaker Tshuma.

On Sunday Hwange were edged 1-0 by Nkayi United in the final. Both teams appeared not yet at full throttle.

Hwange administrator Khumbulani Mbano weighed the loss of the stars.

“It might be difficult to actually say we have adequately prepared but the shape is there. We lost Shenje and Mongameli to Highlanders. Marceline joined MWOS. Those are big names worth mentioning,” said Mbano.

After this season opening tie at White City Stadium the main match will feature Nkayi United and Talen Vision.

Nkayi have been on the market and have brought veterans into the fore to provide on-the field guidance to youngsters. They have Dube a player with Champions League experience who has also played for clubs in Botswana and South Africa and the versatile and intelligent anchorman Kelvin Madzongwe.

Talen Vision, runners up in 2019 have Mkhuphali Masuku as head coach working under sporting director Lizwe Sweswe. Both are experienced and well exposed coaches who command respect for their tactical astuteness.

At the White City B Arena Njube Spurs will be away to Bulawayo Warriors in their debut match of the season.

Aqua Stars, who are playing in the league following their acquisition of the Mainline franchise, make the long trip to Hwange to face league favourites Megawatt FC who have made their intentions clear that this time around there are gunning for the title.

Casmyn will face Zebra Revolution at Turk Mine.
Fixtures
Saturday
Bulawayo City v Hwange (White City Main Arena, 12:00), Nkayi United v Talen Vision (White City Main Arena, 15:00), Bulawayo Warriors v Njube Spurs (White City B Arena, 12:00), Jordan FC v Khami United (Mthwakazi, 15:00), Megawatt v Aqua Stars (Chakona, 15:00), Mosi Rovers v Makwika (Chinotimba, 15:00), Casmyn v Zebra Revolution (Turk Mine, 15:00), Blackrock v Imbizo (Sinderella, 15:00), Bosso 90 v Victoria Falls Herentals (Luveve Stadium B Arena, 15:00)