Southern Region Div One returns

AFTER a three-week break, the Southern Region Division One Soccer League is set to kick off this weekend, but players are keenly aware of the obstacles they’ll encounter as they strive to maintain peak performance.

This pause was enforced due to national events, and players have varying perspectives on the break. For the log leaders, Arenel Movers, who remained undefeated in their first 18 matches, the extended pause might not have been entirely welcome.

Leroy Ndlovu, Arenel’s dynamic attacking midfielder, recognises the pressure his team faces as the one to beat. Their impressive first-leg performance has painted a target on their backs, with opponents now well-versed in their strengths and weaknesses.

“We know every match will be a challenge because we’re the team to beat, but how we react to this situation is crucial,” says Ndlovu.

Arenel is gearing up to face Mountain Climbers, currently in 14th place. While this fixture could be an opportunity to regain their form, Ndlovu remains cautious, acknowledging the determination of their opponents, which makes them even more formidable.

“This is a time when every team in the league is striving to achieve something, whether it’s a win, a milestone, or avoiding relegation. Every game matters now. Although they’ve had a tough season start, we’ve seen how dangerous they can be, so we need to be on our guard,” warns Ndlovu.

Blessing Matebeck of ZPC Hwange underlines the critical need for mental and physical readiness. Despite being five points behind league leaders Arenel, Matebeck highlights the importance of individual contributions during this pivotal period.

“At this crucial juncture, we need every member of our team to step up, so our match this weekend holds immense significance,” says Matebeck.

ZPC Hwange will host Bosso90 at Chakona and hopes to maintain the pressure on the league leaders.

Nigel Ncube, representing Bosso90, views the break as an opportunity for their team to regroup and refocus, acknowledging their inconsistent start to the season.

“We have had an inconsistent start to our season; therefore, the break might have helped us to regroup and refocus. We have a tough game against a title chasing ZPC Hwange side but I think we will fix our inconsistency issue as time goes by,” Ncube said.

Southern Region Division One

weekend fixtures

Binga Pirates vs Talen Vision, DRC United vs Zimbabwe Sints, Mosi Rovers vs Ratanang, Ajax Hotspurs vs Makhandeni Pirates, CIWU vs Indlovu Iyanyathela, ZPC Hwange vs Bosso90, Casmyn vs Jordan Sinnot, Mainline vs Adachi, Mountain Climbers vs Arenel