By McGeorge Musanda Mbare
The Central Region Soccer League returns this weekend following the mid-season break, with a full schedule of exciting fixtures set for Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, 2026, as clubs continue their battle for promotion and survival.
Eight league matches are lined up, with five fixtures on Saturday and three on Sunday, promising an action packed weekend across the region.
One of Saturday’s notable fixtures will be Dulibadzimu United travelling to Makusha Stadium to face Shurugwi FC in a crucial relegation battle.
This is one of the most anticipated encounters, with both sides desperate for points.
Shurugwi are second from the bottom of the table in 17th place with eight points, while Dulibadzimu United occupy 13th position with 15 points.
Both teams will be aiming to widen the gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
Elsewhere, ZRP Gwanda will host Sabi Mine at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda, while fourth-placed Kwekwe United travel to Gweru to face 12th-placed MSU FC at the MSU Campus.
Beitbridge side,Vhembe Stars Academy face a stern test when they host one of the seasoned league’s title contenders, Tongogara at Dulibadzimu Stadium.
Following their 1-1 draw away to Tongogara in their first-round meeting, Vhembe Stars Academy will be hoping to cause an upset on home soil.
The hosts currently sit 16th on the log, while Tongogara are in sixth place.
The final Saturday fixture will see bottom-placed Matobo FC host GoodMorning FC at Maphisa Grounds.
GoodMorning currently occupy 10th place with 19 points.
Sunday’s headline clash will feature league leaders Blanket Mine, who host second-placed Chapungu at Sabiwa Stadium in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the weekend.
Elsewhere, Gwanda Pirates travel to Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane to take on FC Platinum U19.
In an interview with Ziyah News Network ahead of the weekend’s fixtures, Vhembe Stars Academy Secretary-General Foster Abekie expressed confidence that his team can improve its position on the table.
“I am hoping the boys and the technical staff can collect maximum points from every game in this second half of the season. We are in a dangerous position on the table, so everyone needs to work hard. I believe they can deliver a positive result this weekend,” said Abekie.
Meanwhile, on Friday, July 24, 2026, Vhembe Stars Academy suspended senior team officials, including head coach Blessing Madombi, assistant coach Paul Mugabiri, and goalkeepers’ coach Chigwandaza.
The club is yet to announce who will take charge of the team for this weekend’s Matchday 18 fixture against Tongogara.