adminDavison Bhunu Sports Reporter
MBARE National Soccer League’s 2020 season will get underway tomorrow with 12 teams set to battle it out for honours.
The league’s 2020 fixtures will be played at Kingstone Grounds near Beatrice Cottages in Mbare.
The Harare-based amateur league was founded in 2006 and is the brainchild of the late boxing referee, John “Toro” Govha, and a number of his friends from Mbare who include former Dynamos and Black Aces star midfielder Boniface “Keegan” Makuruzo.
The league features 12 teams which include Two Lines, Red Lions, Buccaneers, Paradise, FC Wagadhugu, Chidhaka, Vito Stars, Mbare Old Boys, Touchline Boys, Flying Eagles, Mongers and Corner Office.
The league has, however, over the years failed to compete at its highest level as it was set-up without the much needed support due to lack of adequate financial backing.
The Mbare National Soccer League is home to dozens of talented youths who are now snubbing the sport due to the unconvincing playing conditions and poor remuneration they receive from their clubs.
“We all know that youths in Mbare are a menace when it comes to issues like stealing and drug abuse hence a league was set up mainly for the youths to play and develop their footballing talent and also as a way to ease criminal culture in the high-density suburb.
“However, the league has failed to reach high standards because it lacks the financial backing it needs, some players play matches with clothes or football jerseys that do not have names, which makes it difficult for referees to book players,” said the league’s secretary, Lazarus “Govender” Mabani.
Former Warriors striker Edward Sadomba-owned Buccaneers will be looking to hit the ground running but will have to contend with seasoned teams like Mbare Old Boys and Vito Stars.
Veteran football commentator, Charles “CNN” Mabika, who is also an advisor to the league, hailed the league but said the issue of sponsorship remained a concern.
“It is a vibrant soccer league and over the years a lot of young talent has emerged from the league and is also not just for the young starlets.
“Soccer legends, born and bred in Mbare, take part in the league and they also help to groom the young crop who are playing in the league.
“As other sporting institutions in the country, we are also facing financial problems as a soccer league and we are calling on everyone, be it individuals, corporates, politicians or companies to financially sponsor not just the league but also other sporting institutions. “We want the young stars to have a bright sporting future,” said Mabika.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Two Lines v Red Lions (10am); Buccaneers v Paradise (11:30am); FC Wagadhugu v Chidhaka (1pm); Vito Stars v Mbare Old Boys (3pm).
Online Reporter