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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zifa Southern Region is working on rounding up teams that will compete in the Division One Soccer League season set to kick off on April 15.
With the National League, which Zifa wanted to start this year but has since been put on hold for now has left the Southern Region with 19 teams.
ZPC Hwange, Talen Vision, Arenel and Indlovu Iyanyathela had previously confirmed participating in the National League whose kickoff has been postponed to next year.
Tizirayi Luphahla, a Zifa Southern Region board member said they are concluding on fixtures as well as teams.
“The reason why we’re having 19 teams is that after getting communication that the National League was kicking off this year, we invited other clubs to take up the slots of the four teams (ZPC Hwange, Talen Vision, Arenel and Indlovu Iyanyathela) that had indicated that they are going for the National League. This is how Adachi FC and Jordan Sinnott FC have come on board.
“Otherwise in terms of season kick-off, communication has been sent out that the first games will be played on the weekend of 15-16 April,” said Luphahla.
Teams that are presently in the Zifa Southern Region register for the 2023 first division season are ZPC Hwange, Talen Vision, Arenel, Indlovu Iyanyathela, Bosso 90, Mosi Rovers, Emakhandeni, Mainline, DRC of Hwange, Casmyn, CIWU, Zimbabwe Saints, Mpopoma’s Ajax Hotspurs, Ratanang, Mountain Climbers and Binga Pirates.
Adachi and Jordan Sinnott of Filabusi are also part of the teams.
The region is eagerly waiting for both Mzilikazi and Khami to confirm their status.
Meanwhile, four clubs have withdrawn from the branded Ruvimbo Funeral Central Region Soccer League citing financial challenges.
Vubachikwe, who were among title contenders last season have folded, with former Premiership side Whawha reportedly merging with Tenax CS FC of Mutare. Also out of the Central Region Soccer League are Colombina and Paramount FC.
Thomas Marambanyika, the Central Region’s acting chairperson said they will have a 14-team league.
The 14 teams are TelOne, Chapungu, MSU, ZPC Munyati, Kwekwe United, Tongogara, FC Platinum Under-19, Loss Control, former Premiership side Shabanie Mine FC, Blanket Mine, Bishopstone, Dulivhadzimu, CM15 Academy and Amazon FC from Maphisa.
“We’re done and ready for kick off on the weekend of April 15-16. All the 14 clubs paid their affiliation and registration fees by the end of March 31 transfer deadline day,” said Marambanyika.
The Northern Region’s Division One season kicked off last weekend with the Eastern Region league set to start on Friday. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter