A total of 13 goals were scored yesterday as the 2026 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League season officially kicked off, and match day one continues today with some mouth-watering ties.
Fanzone previews the rest of the afternoon.
Tenax CS FC vs Yadah FC (Mutare Boys High):
Last season’s runners-up Tenax CS FC host Pacific Storm returnees Yadah FC in Mutare in what promises to be a humdinger of a game.
Chauya Chikara, as Tenax are known by their legions of fans, are always favourites to win because of their strong home record.
Tenax, who once graced the Premier Soccer League, have for the past four seasons finished in the top three of the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League, making them the most consistent team in the region.
Last season, they were embroiled in a three-way horse race for the championship, which they eventually lost to FC Hunters in week 28, courtesy of a 2-1 defeat.
Yadah, relegated from the top-flight on the last day of the season, will be seeking to make a quick return to the top.
Renco Mine FC vs Mutare City Rovers (Maramba Stadium):
Former champions Mutare City Rovers make the long trip to boogey side Renco Mine FC.
A new-look Mutare City, with veteran defender Ackim Gwaendepi on their coaching ranks as an Assistant Coach, faces a rejuvenated Renco Mine FC.
The Miners, with a cash injection, have recalled senior players and are looking fierce.
Maramba Stadium is a fortress on its day, and Renco Mine will be looking to strangle the opposition.
Giants have fallen there over the years, and last season’s championship chasers FC Hunters and Masvingo United failed to collect maximum points there.
Masvingo United FC vs Great Zimbabwe University FC (Mucheke Stadium):
A local derby awaits, with Masvingo United welcoming GZU.
Last season, Masvingo United collected maximum points against today’s opponents, but derbies are unpredictable.
Masvingo United, hot favourites to win the championship last season, were outfoxed by FC Hunters, leading to the departure of head coach Tonganai Mugeji.
The defeat saw Mugeji weep in images that went viral, snatch a journalist’s phone, smash it to the ground, and hold on to it.
Several key players left, but business persons around Masvingo have mobilized funds and armed Masvingo’s war chest for the new season.
GZU, on the other hand, lost their talisman Shawn Mupesa to the Northern Region Soccer League.
Bikita Minerals FC vs Buffaloes FC (Lithium Stadium):
Tonganai Mugeji makes his return to Bikita Minerals, and the hosts will be hoping for a winning start.
Buffaloes FC, with their experienced squad, are always contenders, and they’re the reigning Pacific Storm Eastern Region Top Four Cup champions.
Watungwa-Watungwa, as Buffaloes are known, are amongst the favourites to go all the way.
Deportivo La Murambinda vs Destiny Stars FC (Uhera Stadium):
La Murambinda have been busy in the transfer market, signing Munashe Mudowaya and Kudzai Taipi, who helped FC Hunters secure promotion to the Premier Soccer League.
They’ve also reportedly acquired the services of four Ghanaian internationals, and revered coaches Tichaona Dzoro and Prince Skeelo Tafirenyika have joined the team, making them a formidable side.
Destiny Stars, coached by Itai “Madhinda” Makumi, will be hoping to spring a surprise in Murambinda, as they’ve previously done last season, winning at some impossible venues.
