Zifa Southern Region Division One fixtures out

Sport
ZIFA Southern Region Division One fixtures for the 2014 season, which kicks off on April 5, will be out tomorrow, chairman Musa Mandaza confirmed yesterday.

ZIFA Southern Region Division One fixtures for the 2014 season, which kicks off on April 5, will be out tomorrow, chairman Musa Mandaza confirmed yesterday. RONALD MOYO SPORTS REPORTER

The regional body met on Sunday in Bulawayo and the league fixtures were the key issue.

Mandaza said all teams should have player licences by March 29.

He said they had adopted the Premier Soccer League (PSL) system that requires each team to register at least five Under-20 players in their squad.

“We had a meeting yesterday (Sunday) and one of the issues on the agenda were the Division One fixtures.

“We agreed that the fixtures are going to be released on Wednesday (tomorrow).

“Teams should be having their player licences by March 29 and we have also highlighted that every team should have at least five junior players for their squad so that we could develop football in the region.

“Our aim is to see players having an impact at national level in the next coming years,” Mandaza said.

Plumtree Chiefs secretary-general Dumisani Sibanda said his side were still finalising on few details, but were ready for the season.

“We are almost there. We are now left with few things to finalise.

“In terms of playing, we are ready and we can play any team even tomorrow.

“About the issue of registering Under-20 player, I think it boils down to the matter of policy and personally I would go for such kind of arrangement as it promotes football.

“It is, however, good from a managerial point of view, but it might also put coaches under pressure as fans want good results,” Sibanda said.

Chiefs were the 2013 champions, but did not register in the top flight after entering into a merger which saw Bantu Rovers returning to the PSL.