adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE Northern Region Division One soccer league season kicks off this weekend with last year’s runners-up Black Rhinos setting their eyes on title. The former Premiership side finished second behind winners, Ngezi Platinum, under the guidance of Droment Chirova.
However, they have since engaged the services of former CAPS United midfielder Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa as they hope for better fortunes this year.
Mtizwa, who joined the team during pre-season, said they are ready for the season and believes they have a formidable side that can take them back into the Premiership as they retained the bulk of their players.
“The guys are ready, what is left now is to package everything and the boys to deliver. It’s obvious every team wants the promotion and we are one of the teams. So we are looking forward to that. We have a good team which can take us there.
“Last year we were number two to Ngezi, so we can’t go to number three, we are going upwards,” said Mutizwa.
Rhinos who were relegated to Division One in 2014 had hoped for a quick return to the top-flight league but they could not keep up with eventual winners Ngezi Platinum, who were crowned champions with six games to spare after they took an unassailable lead.
Rhinos finished a distant second with 57 points while Ngezi concluded the season with 76 points.
The army side kick-start their campaign away at Pfura tomorrow against Darwin and Mtizwa says they will be out for a win.
“Our preparations so far have been going on very well. We are looking forward to this first game. Obviously it’s an away game we need to win that game. The worst result will be a draw,” said Mtizwa.
While Rhinos are going for three points in their opening game, they should expect a tough game from Darwin, who survived relegation by a whisker last year.
Cranborne Bullets’ coach Nesbert Saruchera said they were looking forward to the season.
“I think everybody is ready and the camp is in order. We are all every excited and we are looking forward to collect maximum points since we will be playing at home.
“It’s a new side we have but we have managed to blend it with experience. We have got Clive Kawinga from Buffaloes, Misheck Mburayi from Cargo Carriers and Walter Masenda from Black Rhinos. So we have got a balanced team.
“We are not going to be pushovers,” said Saruchera.
The league’s chairman, Willard Manyengavana, said despite the delay in getting players’ licenses they are geared up for the season.
“First of all as the league we are geared up, everything is in order except for the ZIFA players licenses. There were some delays in issuing the licenses but what we are going to do is we will make temporary licenses to avoid using unlicensed players.
“Once the ZIFA licenses are ready we drop the temporary licenses. They (clubs) should be able to get the licenses tomorrow (today).
“Our clubs are ready for the new season, everyone is paid up and in as far as we are concerned we are ready. We still want to maintain that belief that we are the best run league.
“On sponsorship we are still working flat out, we have two companies we are talking to and hopefully by mid-month we should announce some partnerships,” Manyengavana said.
Fixtures
Saturday
Chegutu v Flame Lily (Pfupajena), Commando v Golden Valley (Commando), Shamva v ZRP FC (Shamva), Herentals v DStv Rangers (NSS B Arena), Darwin v Black Rhinos (Pfura).
Sunday
Cranborne v ZRP Morris (One Commando), Lake Harvest v Mushowani (Nyamhunga), Karoi United v Gunners (Chikangwe), Banket v Blue Swallows (Banket Kuwadzana).
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