Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
BEITBRIDGE-based football clubs, Dulivhadzimu United FC and Vhembe Stars are gearing up for the kick-off of the 2026 Division One soccer season in the Central Region Soccer League.
The two teams are looking forward to doing better at their favourite fortress Dulivhadzimu Stadium, which is undergoing maintenance under the Beitbridge Municipality.
Vhembe Stars Academy, led by former Dynamos assistant coach Philemon Mutyakureva who will be assisted by Blessing Madombi and Paul Mugaviri, look strong after a successful run that saw them gain promotion to the First Division and beefing up their squad with experienced players in all departments.
Mutyakureva and his assistants’ experience is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s success and the club is buzzing with confidence.
Dulivhadzimu United, on the other hand, is coming off a decent showing last season in which they finished in the top five.
However, the team is determined to outdo itself in the upcoming season.
The two teams have been busy with pre-season preparations, with Dulivhadzimu United having played friendly matches against top teams like Dynamos and Highlanders.
The Central Region Soccer League is set to be an exciting one, with several teams vying for top spots.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the kick-off, and both Dulivhadzimu United and Vhembe Stars are ready to put on a good show.
“Our primary objective for this upcoming season is to secure the top spot in the league and also to be able to qualify for the Super 8,” declared Dulivhadzimu United’s secretary-general Mandla “Combat” Moyo.
“We also aim to continue strengthening our youth development programmes. We plan to achieve this by putting extra hours in everything we do from the office to the training ground. Empowering our technical staff with the requisite tools to perform at the highest level.
“Last season’s performance was below our expected standards. You will note that we started very well in the first half only to have a disastrous second half of the season especially after the departure of several key first-team players and the coach. Notable areas that we believe need improvement is to properly secure our players and coaches’ contracts so that we get proper remuneration every time they make a move elsewhere.”
He said their assistant coach from last season, Polite Bhegede and Nkosilathi Msimanga will be in charge.
The two, he added, have been at the club since its formation and they have a good understanding of the club’s culture as well as that of young local players.
“We hope that could work to our advantage,” said Moyo.
Former ZPC Kariba strongman Fungai Futso Chirinda has joined the technical bench as the team physical trainer replacing Simon Mangwiro who has crossed the floor to Vhembe Stars Academy FC.
“New signings will be unveiled next week as contractual talks are in progress, but I can confirm that there are new talents that have joined the team and there are also two foreign nationals currently on trial at the club,” said Moyo.
Vhembe Stars’ chief executive officer, Foster Abheki said the team was aiming to finish in a respectable position in their maiden appearance in the CRSL.
He said they had retained nine players from their Academy that won them the slot into the CRSL and beefed up every department with new experienced players. Among them are Tawanda Chikodza and Takudzwa Murimba.
Abheki said they had mobilised enough resources to ensure they have fewer operational challenges throughout the season.
“Generally, we have done our homework and are geared up to compete in the CRSL this season. We know it’s our maiden season that comes with a lot of challenges, but we are not leaving anything to chance in terms of preparations.”
derick.khumalo