Deportivo La Murambinda forward Francis Zvijayi has predicted the upcoming 2026 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League to be highly competitive.
In an exclusive interview with Fanzone, Zvijayi predicted an epic 2026 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League, describing the upcoming season as a “typical dog eat dog scenario” where it would be highly competitive.
He believes that a number of teams would certainly give their all in the quest to win promotion to the Premier Soccer League.
”The upcoming season promises to be highly octave, with the coming in of Green Fuel FC, Bikita Minerals FC, and Yadah FC who were relegated from the Premier Soccer League in 2025.”
”Tenax Correctional Services FC, Masvingo United FC, and Mutare City Rovers will always be favourites to win the top gong, whilst new boys Africa Minerals Ventures FC who have so far made big signings will also be amongst the favourites to compete for the championship,” said Zvijayi.
Zvijayi joined the Murambinda based side during the 2025 mid season transfer window from St Paul’s Musami FC.
Reflecting on his stay at Deportivo La Murambinda, Zvijayi admitted that it wasn’t an easy feat to gel into the La Murambinda side as results during his first days were not consistent, but during the later stages of the second half of the 2025 season, La Murambinda finished on a high.
”Murambinda made a couple of signings during the mid-season transfer window, with me and former FC Hunters midfielder Shepherd Sithole and several others making the switch back then as the club, who were under the tutelage of Ben Chari, sought to make an impact in the second half of the season.”
”The changes took time to yield results, but when we gelled, our home, Uhera Stadium, became a fortress as we only lost once there in the second half of the season,” said Zvijayi.
Now, the club has made a few restructurings, with former Rusitu Tigers FC assistant coach Lovemore Dzoro being appointed the new Head Coach, assisted by revered former Mutare City Rovers FC head coach Prince “Skeelo” Tafirenyika.
The club has made a number of signings, with Munashe Mudowaya having made the switch from FC Hunters, and several deals are also at an advanced stage.
Zvijayi believes that La Murambinda will definitely fight for honors this season.
”Though it will be a tough campaign, I’ll definitely work hard and help La Murambinda fight for honors. I believe that Lovemore Dzoro, who I formerly worked with at St Paul’s Musami FC, and Prince Tafirenyika are very much experienced and they have what it takes to take Deportivo La Murambinda to the next level.”
Zvijayi, who scored 7 goals in the 2025 season and finished as a finalist in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League Soccer Stars calendar, is ready for the challenge.
His transformation from striker to defensive midfielder has been a highlight, and he is eager to lead La Murambinda to success.
