Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-The Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League (PSERSL) is set to kick off this weekend after a false start the previous week, Wisdom Simba the chairman confirmed to The Midweek Watch.
“I can confirm that the PSERSL will kick off this weekend. We are excited about this development and everything is now in place, the player licences and all match venues are ready to host games,” said Simba.
He added that the inclusion of three teams relegated from the Premier Soccer League, along with Under-17 curtain raiser matches will bring added excitement for fans.
“With the coming in of the three teams from the PSL and the Under-17s playing as curtain raisers, fans should brace themselves for thrilling weekends starting from 12 noon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the league has received communication from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) directing the introduction of a fourth official and an increase in referees’ match fees.
“We received communication from ZIFA instructing the league to have a fourth official as well as the increase in match fees. I held a meeting with the ZIFA CEO where I indicated that the clubs had already made their budgets; he has since started consultations. The adjustments are long overdue, but the timing and timeframe should have been taken into consideration,” Simba explained.
ZIFA approved new match officiating fees for Division One fixtures, with referees set to earn $100 per game, assistant referees $80 each, the fourth official $80 and match commissioners $100.
Referees travelling distances exceeding 41 kilometres will receive mileage reimbursements in line with the association’s framework, with costs covered by the home team.
In another development, the league will host a cocktail event at Montclair Hotel Nyanga this weekend where officials will meet their sponsor and sign a sponsorship agreement. The event will also feature the draw for the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
The league kicks off this weekend with action beginning on Saturday, 28 March 2026.
Bikita Chida Athletic Club host Chivhu FC at Lithium Stadium while Manica Diamonds U19 FC face Africa Mineral Ventures FC at Chisamba Grounds in Mutare. Power FC take on Tongogara United FC at Gaths Mine Stadium in Mashava, as Greenfuel FC welcome Grand Legacy FC at the Greenfuel Arena.
At the Masvingo City home of football, Mucheke Stadium, FC Wangu Mazodze clash with 4 Lions FC.
On Sunday, 29 March 2026, another set of five fixtures are lined up. Renco Mine FC host Mutare City Rovers FC at Maramba while Deportivo La Murambinda FC face Destiny Stars FC at Uhera. Tenax CS FC take on Yadah FC at Mutare Boys High and Masvingo United FC meet Great Zimbabwe University FC at Mucheke. Bikita Minerals FC hosts Buffaloes FC at Lithium Stadium.
All matches are scheduled to kick off at 1500hours promising an exciting start to the new expanded campaign.
