Branton Matondo
Ruvimbo Funeral Central Region Soccer league lifted its curtains this past week and it’s certain from the word go that any drop of points will prove costly.
Teams eyeing promotion to the Premier Soccer League have, without an iota of doubt reinforced their charges 200 percent.
Just like in 2018, 14 teams affiliated for this year’s edition and that’s just 28 fixtures.
It is always known in football circles that when a league has few teams every game is a final.
All eyes are with no doubt on three teams who judging by their previous voyages and fans perspectives, are huge favourites to bag the ultimate PSL promotion package.
Airforce side Chapungu who are recording their second year in the league since demotion from the big guys’ league in 2019 are among favourites to claim this year’s top spot.
Clement Zuze and his technical entourage are preaching the gospel of veteranism and experience.
Some of the senior gunners include Tineyi Chitora, who has always been a loyal son of Chapungu, Leeroy Bernard who had to be recalled from Black Mambas, 38 year-old Patrick Kumbula who has been up and about in Gweru teams for the past half a decade, Blessed Mbavarira, Gracious Mleya, Colleen Kwaramba and Allan Tavarwisa.
The thrust and trust on experience by the army side will however come to test courtesy of TelOne and Zpc Munyati who according to Central Region fanatics are also potential title contenders.
TelOne have been a busy bunch on the market prior to the start of the league.
They have roped in former Chicken Inn and Zpc Kariba attacking midfielder Brian Juru, former Zpc Kariba, Highlanders and Caps United goal getter Newman Sianchali, former Sheasham right back Forward Makambanga and former Shabanie son Nyasha Mpofu.
Chapungu and TelOne showed in their opening encounters that business is being meant having won 3-1 and 2-0 in their respective encounters against Fc Amazone and Blanket Mine.
It’s really game on from the get go.
All that being said, Zpc Munyati are no push overs when it comes to the title this year.
For a team that has been a top three finishing master for the past seven years, this year is looking bright and open.
Godfrey Tamirepi, just like Clement Zuze and Tendai Chikuni has assembled a fierce side at the power utility side.
The former Zpc Kariba gaffer roped in Lloyd Gwerina, formerly with Shabanie and Chapungu, former Highlanders player Toto Banda, Byron Madzokere, Godknows Mhangani, Tyler Mugoniwa and Bright Chayambuka.
The emphatic 5-2 revenge on Platinum cubs Fc Platinum Under-19 was statement enough, that Tamirepi is in the title contending league.
It will be theoretically unfair not to talk of Dulibadzimu.
Just like their 2-0 thumping of now promoted side Sheasham Fc in their last match of 2019 campaign, the ZM Media furnished side will cause upsets.
The Beitbridge based side who are under the tutelage of Stanley Ncube have also signed some talents.
Some of the names that have become part of the force from the south are Munashe Bamara, former FC Platinum wonder kid Tanyaradzwa Mataranyika, Meki Meki and Tawanda Ndoro.
Word from the barrack is it that perennial campaigners Tongogara Fc shared spoils with Bishopstone.
Though it is the case, Tongogara has over the years been a pain in the flesh.
Who can forget the decider against TelOne in 2018. Tongogara always come with surprises. It’s one of those teams that you can shove under the carpet because they will burn that carpet.
