The 2025 Northern Region Soccer League will finally kick off this weekend with a host of matches across the region.
The league ought to have started last week but was postponed to allow all teams to complete the players registration process.
In a bid to curb the match-fixing allegations that marred the league last year, the Martin Kweza-led administration has enforced new rules through the help of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
Action begins tomorrow, when N’ombeyaora welcomes PAM at the Heart Stadium.
N’ombeyaora, coached by season gaffer Nesbert ‘Yabo’ Saruchera, are on paper one of the strongest teams in the league based on player recruitment.
At Shamva Mine, Shamva hosts Harare City.
On Saturday, Gwanzura Stadium will host professional football for the first time in over a decade when MWOS U-19 hosts Chegutu Pirates.
Despite the circus, which saw them losing the title to Scottland through a boardroom decision last year, MWOS FC, who are the Premiership, will have their developmental side taking part in the Northern Region Soccer League.
Also on Saturday, Chinhoyi Stadium plays host to the Chinhoyi derby, when Chinhoyi Stars host new boys Chinhoyi Rangers.
At Ellis Robins, Golden Eagles host army side Black Rhinos, with both sides expected to fight for the sole ticket to the Premiership.
At Centenary County Club, Zambezi G and C host Cranborne Bullets while Trojan Mine hosts new boys Ali Sundowns at Trojan Stadium.
At Chikangwe Stadium, Karoi United, who were the center of attraction last season as a result of their abandoned match against Scottland, which went on to decide the title, host Ngezi U-19.
Black Mambas welcome ambitious New Boys Oden at Mkushi Academy Grounds, looking to start on a high as they narrowly survived relegation last season.
On Sunday, Banket United, who made headlines a few weeks ago for struggling to pay their affiliation fee, welcome Agama at Kuwadzana Stadium.
Agama have not made their title ambitions a secret, as in their dugout is the league’s most successful coach-—Arthur Titani.
Bustling striker Tinashe Balakasi, who powered Simba Bhora to the title in 2022, has also joined the Mt. Darwin-based side.
Meanwhile, the Northern Region Soccer League leadership has reminded all clubs that the singing of the Zimbabwe national anthem is now compulsory before kick-off at all matches.
