By McGeorge Mbare
Beitbridge’s Dulibadzimu United will host FC Platinum U19 in their 17th Central Region Soccer League Division 1 match on Saturday, 11 July 2026 at Dulibadzimu Stadium.
This fixture will be the last match of the first round of the CRSL 2026.
Backed by the home crowd, Dulibadzimu are aiming to secure maximum points and get revenge over Platinum, having lost 2-0 at home in the 2025 campaign. Meanwhile, FC Platinum U19 will be looking to maintain their away form against Dulibadzimu United.
The two sides find themselves on the same 14 points after 16 matches. Dulibadzimu United sit 14th on superior goal difference, while Platinum U19 occupy 15th position.
Coming off a 2-0 defeat against ZRP Gwanda at Phelandaba Stadium just a few days ago on Match Day 16, Dulibadzimu’s technical team will be looking to conclude the first round with a victory.
In last year’s first round fixture, Dulibadzimu played away from home and managed a 3-1 win, courtesy of Messi Gushero and Benedict Sithole. The front players and goal poachers each found the back of the net against FC Platinum however the pair is no longer with the club.
Messi Joined Kwekwe United, while Sithole is currently with Manica Diamonds in the Premier Soccer league.
In this year’s fixture, Dulibadzimu United are yet to find a front runner to score goals. Both Ronaldinho Muleya and Brooklyn Makawa Fish have 2 goals, however they are both defenders.
Elsewhere, Vhembe Stars Academy will conclude their first-round campaign against Kwekwe United away from home on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.
Vhembe Stars Academy are aiming to make history against Central Region Soccer League giants Kwekwe United, while Kwekwe United are aiming to secure maximum points against the debutants.
The two sides find themselves in contrasting positions on the log. Kwekwe United sit fourth with 33 points from 16 games, while Vhembe Stars Academy occupy the relegation position with 13 points from 16 matches.
In an interview with Ziyah News Network, Vhembe Stars Academy Secretary General Foster Abekie said “We are looking forward to our team continuing to win regardless of the opponent we will be facing.”
As the first round of the league concludes, the Beitbridge teams will look to restore their winning rhythm in order to avoid fighting relegation until the end of the season.