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Shingai Dhlamini
THE 16-team Zifa Southern Region Division One League kicks off on Saturday, with the first week matches scattered around the region.
Blessing Mbwanda, who is the secretary-general and spokesperson of the Region said that the league, like any other business entity was affected by the Covid-19 scourge. He said over the past two seasons, it was recovery for most of the clubs and declared that things were looking up for everyone this year.
“We had to delay by a few weeks so that every club could comply with the requirements and administration wise on our side we had to get things in order, we are ready for the 2024 season, everything is in place,” he said.
The league initially had 18 teams, but two clubs, Ciwu and Binga could not meet some of the requirements so now it has 16. Arenel won the championship last season to gain promotion into the Premiership. ZPC Hwange were second and Talen Vision third.
Zebras Revolution who were promoted to Division One after winning the Bulawayo Province title, will face DRC United at Nengasha Stadium in Hwange. Talen Vision will face Nkayi United in Filabusi. It is the first time two rural based teams are clashing in the Southern Region. Nkayi are based in Matabeleland North and Talen Vision in Filabusi in Matabeleland South.
Three games will be played at White City Stadium where Bulawayo City making their Division One debut since their 2019 elevation to the PSL and subsequent relegation in 2022 on Saturday will face Bosso 90. Favourites Adachi FC take on Zimbabwe Saints and Mpopoma’s Ajax Hotspurs face off with Mainline FC.
Indlovu Iyanyathela will face Jordan Snott FC at Brady Barracks, while Casmyn will take on Victoria Falls at Turk Mine and Mosi Rovers take on Hwange at Chinotimba Stadium on Saturday.
Rugare Hlalani Medical are the league’s partners and the League is still searching for more to incentivize participants.
“Rugare Medical has also set aside two ambulances and doctors that will be at venues every month, we are grateful that they have partnered with us and they have agreed to cover our end of year awards,” said Mbwanda.
Fixtures
Saturday: Talen Vision v Nkayi (Filabusi Primary School), Bulawayo City FC v Bosso 90 (White City), Adachi FC v Zimbabwe Saints (White City 1200), Adachi FC v Zimbabwe Saints (White City 1500), Ajax Hotspurs v Mainline (White City B Arena), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Jordan Snott (Lookout Masuku Barracks), Casmyn v Victoria Falls (Turk Mine), DRC United v Zebra Revolution (Nengasha Stadium), Mosi Rovers v ZPC (Hwange)
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