adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
THE 2015 Zifa Eastern Region Division One soccer season is set to kick off early next month. In an unprecedented move 25 teams have expressed interest to register with the league, an official has confirmed.
In a statement Zifa Eastern Region chairperson Piwaishe Mabhena said the region held its annual general meeting recently where a number of resolutions were made chief among them, the 2015 calendar.
He said despite an overwhelming interest shown by teams to take part in the league this season, the number will be trimmed down to 18 teams as the number is easy to manage.
“We expect our fixtures to start on April 4, 2015. We have at least 25 teams that have shown interest to participate in our league this year.
“We shall further assess the capacities of the prospective new teams to participate in our league and trim them down to 18,” said Mabhena in a statement.
He said the league has not yet secured any sponsorship but prospective sponsors have since been identified.
“The Eastern Region is yet to get a sponsor for the Division One league and its lower leagues. However, the main thrust of the board is to prioritise the sponsorship and development of junior football. Prospective sponsors have been identified and it’s our hope that we will soon finalise a sponsorship deal for the Eastern Region,” he said
Mabhena also hailed infrastructure development undertaken in the Zifa Eastern Division One teams through building and rehabilitating stadia.
“On the eve of the annual general meeting, the board managed to tour the newly constructed Surrey FC Stadium in Marondera. The board was quite impressed by the sponsors’ efforts and management of the team.
“Another newly constructed stadium will be availed soon in Mutoko. Chikondoma Stadium has been constructed to very high standards and will soon be availed for use by Mutoko Traders FC a newly promoted side based in Mutoko,” he said.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter