Moffat Mungazi
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
ACTION in the Pacific Storm ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League is already hotting up, with teams bracing for a gruelling round of fixtures, while fans are in for a treat this weekend.
The pick of the crop for the matches are two local derbies pitting Manicaland teams — Manica Diamonds Juniors versus Mutare City Rovers and Tenax CSFC versus Destiny Stars — coupled with a potentially thrilling duel between seasoned campaigners, Buffaloes and ambitious Masvingo side, FC Wangu Mazodze.
To set the ball rolling is this afternoon (Friday)’s contest between the Junior Gems and Gusha Bhora at Chisamba Ground, with the prisons wardens and the land developers slugging it out tomorrow (Saturday) at the same venue.
The second-tier league enters the third round of fixtures this weekend.
ZIFA Eastern Region chairman, Simba Wisdom expressed delight with how the campaign has kicked off, describing it as progressing smoothly.
“So far so good; we are happy with how things have panned out from the start up to now. I have had opportunities to watch some of the games, and was left impressed with the way the clubs are playing and the level of competition. Excitement is still building up and as a league we hope to go places in many aspects,” said Wisdom.
Managing to secure a sponsor for the league has added colour to the league’s game and heightened enthusiasm among the clubs and fans alike, added the veteran administrator.
He said the league started on a high note after successfully hosting the sponsorship launch match featuring winners, Tenax CSFC and FC Wangu Mazodze in Masvingo as a curtain raiser to the campaign.
“The ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League is now branded through our principal sponsor, Pacific Storm. That title sponsorship has raised the profile of the league, igniting fervent interest among the clubs and their followers. We trust that this is just the beginning of a long, fruitful and rewarding relationship with our sponsor,” said Wisdom, adding that they are looking forward to attracting other partners.
He said with football now turned into serious business, more sponsors and stakeholders are set to come on board to enhance the overall appeal and brand of the league.
“Presently, we are engaging other partners in Chimanimani and Harare who have shown great interest in associating with us. They are keen on sponsoring monthly awards for the excelling individuals like goalkeepers and top goal scorer. Overall, this will increase competition as well as improve the quality of the league,” said Wisdom.
Wisdom expressed confidence that the remainder of the league campaign will be a success story.
He urged fans to continue thronging match venues, commending them for their support as a key stakeholder and heartbeat that keeps the game pulsating.
“Football is a family game, enjoyed by millions and creating employment for thousands others. The Pacific Storm ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League is ticking many boxes in upholding the virtues of the game. All the matches so far have been played under a safe and peaceful environment, with the fans turning out in their numbers to rally behind their respective teams.
“I have watched some of the games and they attracted full houses; the Manica Diamonds Juniors versus Rusitu Tigers match being a case in point,” said Wisdom.
He said while Masvingo remains a stronghold, FC Hunters are also drawing large numbers of spectators in Marondera; with the debutant trio of Deportivo La Murambinda, Tongogara United and Chivhu Stars as well as returnees JM Busha 54 creating a new wave of excitement.
ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League fixtures:
Friday: Manica Diamonds Juniors vs Mutare City Rovers (Chisamba);
Saturday: Tenax CSFC vs Destiny Stars (Chisamba); FC Wangu Mazodze vs Buffaloes (Mucheke); Chivhu Stars vs St Paul’s Musami (Uhera); Renco Mine vs Tongogara United (Maramba);
Sunday: Deportivo La Murambinda vs JM Busha 54 (Uhera); FC Hunters vs Great Zimbabwe University (Rudhaka); Masvingo United vs Rusitu Tigers (Mucheke).
Online Reporter