Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League officially launched its 2026 campaign over the weekend, following a successful annual meeting and a two-day workshop held in Chisipite at the weekend.
The event, which saw attendance from all clubs competing in the upcoming season, served as the formal platform to finalise the league’s composition and outline the roadmap ahead.
The new season is scheduled to kick-off at the beginning of March.
In an interview following the AGM, League chairperson Sweeney Mushonga addressed several key issues, including new admissions, the exclusion of Chingwere FC, financial compliance and other new developments for the season. “The Annual General Meeting and the two-day training workshop set a solid foundation for the League’s future plans and growth,” he said.
“The League is geared for a competitive 2026 season, after holding a productive AGM and training workshop, and is now therefore full of expectation that all our matches will be played in full compliance with our Rules and Regulations. “The AGM resolved to admit four new clubs into the Region effective 2026 soccer season, namely CP Chemicals, Marere, Highrange, and Batanai, following their promotion . . .” Mushonga stated.
The meeting noted that the league’s executive had declined the admission of Chingwere pending the ratification of the assembly. The facts of the case were reported as follows: Chingwere failed to pay their affiliation fees as per the set deadline. The club sought and was granted an extension to pay the full amount on January 12. The club failed to pay the affiliation and subscription fees on the agreed date.
It was the league’s view that the conduct of Chingwere was consistent with teams that had previously gone on to struggle to settle their financial obligations when they fall due, and unnecessarily bring the League into disrepute. The Mash West Province went ahead and seconded the admission of Marere on terms and conditions as set by NRSL.
“We also noted that Batanai initially failed to pay their affiliation fees as per the set deadline. We had discussions with the Mashonaland Central chairperson, Edward Mutukwa, and I would like to thank him for assisting and ensuring that Batanai eventually paid their full fees as required.”
In a major announcement, Mushonga unveiled a new competition for the season. “We announced the launch of the Super Eight Cup for the 2026 season. This is a league initiative valued at US$12 000, with the league covering all expenses,” he said.
The prize money is set at US$3 000 for the winners and US$2 000 for the runners-up. “However, we are very hopeful that we will secure additional funding to improve the prize money, but we are very happy with this development.” Addressing a directive from ZIFA requiring head coaches to hold CAF B licenses, Mushonga acknowledged a need for engagement with the mother-body.
