Fungayi Munyoro-Chingaira

MUTARE- Zifa Eastern Region Division One has arranged an induction workshop for the newly promoted clubs to be held in Marondera today ahead of the 2023 soccer season.

Regional vice-chairman Wisdom Simba confirmed the invited clubs as Mashonaland East side Hunters FC, Rusitu Tigers FC from Manicaland , Masvingo team Chisase FC and Premiership returnees Tenax FC.

“We are going to have our induction workshop with promoted teams from Division Two league this Saturday. This is an orientation for our new clubs so that they familiarise with statutes and club administration among other things,” said Simba.

Simba announced that the ERSL is expected to kick off on the first week of April.

The league has parted ways with Nzuma Bar, Zaka Academy and Lowveld FC which were relegated at the end of the 2022 season.

The league has also Invited Chivhu FC, Midway and Gutu side Sando FC to be part of the induction workshop.

“We have invited these teams to be part of us. They can only qualify to be part of the league if they meet our requirements and if there is a slot. Due to financial constraints some teams will fail to be part of us this season so we always invite teams to be on standby,” he said.

New clubs are expected to pay US$2 500 affiliation fees while old clubs pay US$ 2000.

New boys, Rusitu Tigers said they are ready to be part of Eastern Region Soccer league after gaining promotion into the league. They won Zifa Manicaland Division 2 league play offs.

Coach Moses Chigidi said they are keen to be part of the league and have started their preparations for the new season.

“We have started our preparations for the league. We will be embarking on a three day trials starting tomorrow (Friday) where we want to identify talent.  After trials we will arrange as many friendly matches as possible so that we get in shape. Our target is to gain PSL promotion,” he said.