Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN what is a testament to their sheer power of appeal and competitiveness, the Northern Region Soccer League have attracted over quarter-of-a-million crowd across the 160 matches played so far.
Over the years, the country’s best-run Division One league’s pedigree to lure corporate partners largely because of the manner the second tier is run has gained them traction and even the admiration of neutrals.
With 250 000 fans making their way to watch NRSL thus far, that means an average of something over 1 800 people get to watch every game in this league.
And the league continues to grow in its ability to leverage on that with more and more football enthusiasts finding time to watch their games which also signifies an improvement from previous seasons. NRSL vice-chairman Sweeny Mushonga yesterday expressed satisfaction with their steady growth.
“We are very happy as a league to have managed to attract all those figures across our match venues so far. “I would like to salute our clubs for creating conducive environs for people to enjoy football right in the stadiums.
“The passion and zeal in our clubs make it easy for people to want to come and enjoy the game right. I can confidently say we have recorded over 250 000 spectators coming to attend our games since the beginning of the season.”
Away from the terraces, top-notch coaches are also finding the NRSL magnet too strong to resist. This has enhanced both the Division’s status and competitiveness with N’ombeyawora coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera, whose club lead the race after 16 games admitting “there are no easy opponents in the league.”
The Mabvuku team, with 37 points to their name, have a five-point advantage over second placed Black Rhinos going into match-day 17 this afternoon.
“The league is proving to be very competitive indeed,” Saruchera said.
“There are no easy opponents in this league. Look, just three weeks ago, we were second on the log and some five six, seven weeks ago, the club on Number 10 (Zambezi G &C) was on top of the log. Such is the nature of competition in this league.
“It’s phenomenal. If you drop a point in this game, chances are you also drop down the ladder as well.” Saruchera, who has also coached Cranborne Bullets and Rhinos in the Premiership, knows the importance of concentration and that is what he is going to throw at Chikangwe when his charges visit perennial party poopers Karoi United this afternoon.
Fixtures:
Today: Karoi United v N’ombeyawora (Chikangwe)
Ngezi U19 v Golden Eagles (Baobab), Harare City v Chinhoyi Stars (Gwanzura), Cranborne Bullets v Black Mambas (Commando Barracks), Ali Sundowns v Agama (Wagadhugu), MWOS U19 v Shamva Mine (Ngoni), PAM v Zambezi G & C (Muriel Mine), Black Rhinos v Trojan (The Heart B Arena), Chinhoyi Rangers v Banket United (Chinhoyi), FC Oden v Chegutu Pirates (Kuwadzana)
