Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League, the country’s most vibrant second tier division, will set the tone for what promises to be another riveting season when they converge in Harare this morning for two days of deliberations, which will culminate in their annual indaba.
It will all begin with a workshop today to discuss various football matters ahead of the 2026 season with an experienced panel of speakers headlined by ZIFA vice-president Kenny Ndebele being lined up.
The NRSL’s impact in the Premiership has been felt every season with the league producing champions who have gone onto conquer the top-flight less than three seasons into the elite division.
Simba Bhora who were PSL kings in 2024, last year’s top-flight champions Scottland and runners-up MWOS, are yet to clock five years in the elite league.
It is against this fine record that NRSL clubs and their stakeholders will launch deliberations for the coming season and chart a path for the future.
They are also meeting under a new leadership with veteran administrator Sweeney Mushonga have swept into the chairman’s position following elections in December last year.
But before they hold their annual indaba, the NRSL today embark on an intensive workshop designed to equip clubs with vital knowledge across a spectrum of administrative, commercial, and technical areas.
NRSL spokesperson, Yemurai Dyakonda, in confirming the meetings indicated that the workshop would mainly delve into governance issues.
“Day One will focus on governance and management.
“Following welcome remarks from NRSL chairperson, Sweeney Mushonga, attendees will delve into sessions on general management and club statutes led by Kenny Ndebele.
“The day will also see a strong emphasis on ethics and commercial growth, with presentations on the FIFA Fair Play Code and a crucial session on sponsorship, sports marketing, and event management presented by Rodwell Thabe (PSL CEO).
“The afternoon sessions will shift to on-field and regulatory matters. Ruzive Ruzive (former referee) will lead a discussion on the Laws of the Game.
“The first day will conclude with an open discussion facilitated by chairperson Mushonga, allowing for free dialogue between the league and its member clubs,” Dyakonda said.
“The second day’s deliberations will be headlined by the league’s Annual General Meeting.
“This assembly is expected to deliberate on the state of the league, ratify key decisions, and set the course for the season ahead.
“Following the annual meeting, the focus will return to critical off-field issues affecting match-day experience and club viability.
“In a forward-looking segment, the programme also features presentations from commercial partners. Anthony McMullen of MCM Estates and Charlie Jones of SPORTS AI are scheduled to address the assembly, showcasing potential new avenues for support and technological integration for the clubs,” added Dyakonda.
