By Clayton Shereni

THE 2023 Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) Division One (D1) season which was supposed to commence this coming weekend has been moved to a later date as teams wrap up player registration, Centre News can reveal.

This was revealed by ERSL Chairman, Davison Muchena who told Centre News that they are contemplating pushing Match Day One (1) matches to Easter holidays or a later date yet to be announced.

“Our season was supposed to start this coming weekend but, many teams are yet to finalize their squads and player registration. We are still consulting and the games are likely to be moved to Easter holidays or maybe the following weekend.

“Teams are eager to kick the ball and some had pleaded with us to start the matches on April 1-2 as originally scheduled but we had to do things the right way and allow all teams to put their houses in order,” said Muchena.

The regional fixtures department has since released fixtures for this season with eyes on big-names; Tenax CS FC, Masvingo United FC, Grayham FC, Mutare City Rovers and Buffaloes FC.

Despite the proposed National First Division (NFD) having been dealt a major blow, Tenax CS FC who got relegated from Premier Soccer League (PSL) at the end of last season are eyeing a quick return to topflight football.

Tenax will face a stubborn Ruwa FC while seasoned campaigners Masvingo United who have tried to make a return to premiership football for over a decade without success play away to JM Busha FC.  

Flamboyant Masvingo-based side, FC Wangu Mazodze who have reportedly beefed up their squad with the likes of former Triangle FC speedy forward Hillary Bakacheza play at home against FC Hunters whilst Bikita Minerals who didn’t participate in last year’s season host Buffaloes FC.

Mutare City Rovers who recently roped in the services of veteran gaffer Luke Masomere are yet another side to watch this season as they seek to win the sole premiership up for grabs.