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Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
ZIFA Southern Region Division One chairman Musa Mandaza yesterday said the league would kick off tomorrow and all was set for the first weekend of action.
“Definitely it’s game on this weekend from Victoria Falls to Plumtree we are ready, teams are busy doing final touches and the fixtures are out so its all systems go,” said the newly elected chairman.
Mandaza called on the clubs to embrace the spirit of Fair Play throughout the season.
“All I can say is that clubs should embrace the concept of Fair Play and Fair Play only, we want to see our beautiful game being played with love and passion as we believe in continuity,” he said.
The Southern Region boss said their aim was to ensure a smooth running league and retain its competitiveness.
“I promise we will maintain our standard of being the most competitive league, we have talent in the region so I believe we can maintain that level of competition, that’s why you see teams like How Mine and Chicken Inn being able to maintain the pressure in the Premier League,” said Mandaza.
He said they are working tirelessly to get the league branded so that they would avoid last season’s scenario of teams pulling out towards the end of the season.
Rufaro Rovers, Quelaton and Zimbabwe Saints all had problems fulfilling fixtures towards the end of last season.
“As a new body we are working tirelessly to get sponsors which is our number one priority but I can’t promise that we won’t have last season’s scenario again because our economy is not good especially for community teams, but we pray and hope that it won’t happen. For now its all systems go, no clubs have indicated any problems with registration fees but we don’t know as the season progresses,” he said.
Division One seasoned campaigners Black Boots, Tsholotsho Pirates, ZPC Hwange and Technosphere will be hoping to wage a serious battle for honours.
The Thulani Sibanda-coached Plumtree Chiefs are also among the early season favourites.
Tsholotsho Pirates open their account against Quelaton while Black Boots take on Ntabazinduna.
Plumtree Chiefs start their title defence against Hwange Under-20s while newcomers Portland Cement and Elephant FC square off in another tie.
In Hwange, the derby between Kabwe Warriors, undoubtedly one of the town’s most decorated clubs against ZPC Hwange should be something worth an afternoon’s watch.
Several Hwange FC players of the last 40 years turned out for both clubs and the two teams had a fierce rivalry in the then Wankie Amateur Football Association before they joined the Zifa leagues with Kabwe having the better of the exchanges.
Tomorrow, ZPC will count on their more than 20 years experience in the league.
Fixtures
Week 1: New West v Trumus (Luveve), Mpumalanga v Old Nic Mine (Hwange), Portland Cement v Elephant FC (Portland Cement), ZPC Hwange v Kabwe Warriors (Hwange), Plumtree Chiefs v Hwange Under-20 (Plumtree), Tsholotsho v Quelaton (Tsholotsho), Black Boots v Ntabazinduna (Unit Fairbridge), Technosphere v Zimbabwe Saints (Hwange)
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu