Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE wait is over. The adrenaline returns. And the Northern Region is ready to ROAR once more.
The 2025 edition of the ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League (NRSL) bursts into life this afternoon with two mouth-watering fixtures that mark the start of another blood-and-thunder campaign – where only one team will emerge with a golden ticket to the Premier Soccer League.
Newboys N’ombeyawora make their debut on home turf at The Heart Stadium against PAM, while former top-flight side Harare City travel to the mines to face Shamva in what promises to be a cagey affair. Both matches kick off at 3pm.
The rest of the action spills into the weekend with a full card of fixtures on Saturday and Sunday, as seasoned campaigners and ambitious new entrants gear up for a bruising title race where only the fittest – and smartest – survive.
Last season, Scottland emerged as the fairytale story, clinching promotion in style. MWOS, runners-up, bought their way into the top tier through a franchise deal. But this year, the field looks meaner, tougher, and more unpredictable than ever.
Powerhouses like Black Rhinos, Chegutu Pirates, Harare City, Golden Eagles, Agama, Cranborne Bullets, and Shamva have already been flagged as early title contenders.
And then there’s the coaching chessboard – a stage now shared by familiar giants and fresh-faced tacticians. Names like Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera, Moses “Bambo” Chunga, and Arthur Tutani bring both pedigree and pressure, hoping to outwit youthful opposition from teams such as FC Oden and N’ombeyawora.
But it’s not just the football that’s evolving.
In a major commercial boost, the league has bagged a sponsorship deal with Supa Fix, which will bankroll a whopping US$11 000 in monthly individual player awards – a mouth-watering incentive in a league already bursting with hunger.
On the organisational front, the NRSL has also rolled out a new suite of match day protocols to raise the bar on professionalism, safety, and spectacle. These include mandatory security checks, submission of official team sheets, live pre and post-match interviews with head coaches, improved crowd control measures and presence of police and ambulances at every venue.
“The NRSL is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, officials, and spectators at our matches,” said league spokesperson Yemurai Dyakonda.
“These new protocols are designed to enhance the overall match day experience and promote fair play. All is set and equal for the league to kick off.”
As the whistle gets ready to blow, fans can expect a season of fiery rivalries, surprise upsets, heartbreak, and heroics. With just one promotion slot on offer, every goal, every save, and every decision matters.
This is not just Division One. This is war for the big time.
Weekend’s Fixtures
Friday: N’ombeyawora vs PAM (The Heart Stadium)
Shamva vs Harare City (Shamva Mine)
Saturday: MWOS U19 vs Chegutu Pirates (Gwanzura), Chinhoyi Stars vs Chinhoyi Rangers (Chinhoyi Stadium) Zambezi G&C vs Cranborne Bullets (Centenary Country Club), Golden Eagles vs Black Rhinos (Ellis Robins), Karoi United vs Ngezi U19 (Chikangwe), Trojan Stars vs Ali Sundowns (Trojan Mine), Black Mambas vs FC Oden (Mukushi Academy)
Sunday: Banket United vs Agama (Kuwadzana Stadium)
