adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
FOURTEEN out of the 18 Zifa Southern Region Division One League sides will be in action when the 2016 season kicks off on Saturday. Zifa Southern Region chairman Musa Mandaza said Trumus and Nust have up to the end of today to officially inform them about their positions. Nust surrendered their franchise to Quelaton and the latter has been trying to dispose of it to Zimbabwe Saints.
Trumus from Victoria Falls have reportedly dumped their First Division franchise opting to play in the Zifa Matabeleland North Division Two Soccer League.
“We’re ready to start our season and the reason you’re seeing us with seven games for the opening weekend is that two other clubs Nust and Trumus haven’t formalised whatever they want to do with their slots. We can’t wait for them and if nothing comes out by end of tomorrow (today), we’ll assume they’re out and move on. All fixtures and venues will be confirmed on Wednesday,” said Mandaza.
According to the initial draw, Trumus were pitted against new boys ZRP Bulawayo in Victoria Falls, while Nust are meant to square off with Casmyn.
The opening weekend sees championship favourites Bulawayo Chiefs playing host to Makomo in one of the tricky games.
Former Premier Soccer League side Bantu Rovers start their campaign with an away trip to Hwange where they face ZPC Hwange.
Fixtures
Saturday, April 9: Ntabazinduna v Talen Vision (Ntabazinduna Prison), ZPC Hwange v Bantu Rovers (Hwange), ZRP Hwange v Technosphere (Hwange), Trumus v ZRP Bulawayo (TBA), Casmyn v Nust (TBA), Highlanders v Amagagasi (Barbourfields, Ground Three), Hwange Juniors v Victoria Falls Tigers (Hwange), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Black Boots (Brady Barracks), Bulawayo Chiefs v Makomo (Fairbridge)
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