By Rex Mphisa
THE Zifa Central Region Soccer League Division One kicks off this week on Good Friday, with Beitbridge debutants Vhembe Stars Academy on the road to Tongogara, if all goes according schedule.
At their home in Beitbridge, perennial contenders Dulibadzimu United, take on other debutants Shurugwi at Dulivhadzimu Stadium.
Blanket Mine who have signalled they are fighting for honours are taking on Chapungu, in what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter at home to the airmen’s Ascot stadium.
According to the fixtures distributed earlier the league matches failed to kick off due to unsanctioned grounds and incomplete player registration.
Seasoned coach Luke Petros is in charge at Blanket and has been shopping for success and using his vast knowledge and some vast resources extended from team owners to assemble what is believed a mean machine.
Chapungu, on the other hand miss the glory premiership days and will present hurdles.
On their day, Chapungu can run for 90 minutes in a military style and have made Ascot has never been an easy place to take away points.
Chapungu coach Tererai Zinyowera has been in the news as targeting nothing short of a victory in their opening match.
“Like any other coach, I would love to start the season with a win because the start normally defines and shapes the season,” he was qouted as having said.
Students Midlands State university have made Kwekwe United wait as they go for inter-college games.
MSU will be participating in the ZUSA games in Bulawayo this weekend.
Well oiled Gwanda Pirates take off their games with unpredictable FC Platinum U19 at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda.
The Zvishavane development side of FC Platinum can be stubborn with one touch football while Gwanda Pirates who let it slip last year want something.
In Beitbridge, good campaigners Dulibadzimu will try to reassure supporters now torn between two teams in the same town.
After a good start last season Dulis let it slip in the second part due to several issues mostly related to player exodus from where they had to start from scratch.
The season starts without perennial campaigners Sheasham FC of Gweru who appear to have protested administrative boobs CRSL has continously denied.
Sheasham have gone to grassroots in Division Two and are building from the foundation but their absence leaves a lot of issues hanging, many questions without answers and justice of the game wanting.
Week One Fixtures:Soccer
Kwekwe United v MSU(Postponed), Chapungu v Blanket Mine, West Nicholson v Grain Tigers, Dulibadzimu v Shurugwi fc, Shabani v Super Strikers, Tongogara v Vhembe, Sabi v ZRP GWANDA, Good Morning v Matobo fc, Gwanda Pirates v FC Platinum U19.