adminFungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
AFTER ending the season early due to a small number of teams in the league, ZIFA Manicaland Division Two teams have started an off season league to avoid a long off season break.The League which is a brainchild of local legal practitioner and Division Two side Sisal Stars financier Victor Mazengero is already functional with eight teams taking part.
Of the eight teams four were not in the Division Two League but have shown interest to play in this league.
ZIFA Manicaland Division Two The African Trust FC, Redwing Mine FC, Sisal Stars, La Sakubva, ZRP Mutare, Tisu Anhu Acho and Old Mutare make up the list of teams in the off-season league..
“We need to keep our players fit and occupied. We were supposed to go for six months break before next season of which its unacceptable in football.
“We only have eight teams which are geographically located together to cut on expenses and we also have some teams like Tisu Anhu Acho, Metro Peach, La Sakubva and Old Mutare which were not in Division Two league but have shown interest to play.
“For the referees, we have agreed with the Referees Association to use only the centre referee to cut costs. The main idea is to extend our league since it ended early due to a small number of affiliates,” said Mazengero.
Mazengero said that they are in the process of securing a sponsor for their league.
“We are in the process of securing a sponsor of which we can not give you the details for now. We are hopeful to have a corporate partner soon,” he added.
2015 Manicaland Division Two League had only 12 teams unlike last year where there were 16 teams.
Zifa provincial administrator Kundai Makwarise said that most teams failed to register due to financial challenges.
“Yes, this year our league finished so early because we had few teams. Most of the teams pulled out due to financial challenges and we hope next season we will have a good number of teams joining in. As for the off season league, I am not in a position to comment since I do not have enough details,” he said.
Results of the matches played last weekend.
ZRP Mutare 2, La Sakubva 1: Sisal Stars 0, Metro Peach 0; Tisu Anhu Acho 3, Old Mutare 0; African Trust v Redwing (match postponed).
Online Reporter