Ambitious Masvingo based side FC Wangu Mazodze, will miss the opening games of the 2026 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League season due to unpaid affiliation fees and outstanding fines.
The league released the fixtures early, contrary to the planned release date of March 14, and Mazodze’s omission has raised eyebrows.
The 2026 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League season is set to kick off on March 21, but Zhalala Zhululu as the team is monikered by its fans will not be part of the action in Week 1.
According to sources who spoke to Fanzone, Mazodze had not paid its affiliation fees, and the club still has outstanding balances from fines imposed in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The fines stem from various offences, including an incident last season where a fan sprinkled a liquid substance on former head coach John Nyikadzino during a match against FC Hunters at Mucheke Stadium.
The club was found guilty of safety breaches, failing to control supporters, and bringing the league into disrepute, and was fined heavily.
Club owner Dr Richard Wangu Mazodze threatened to pull out of the league over the fines, and the league warned the club to clear the outstanding amounts or face expulsion.
Dr Mazodze has been involved in controversy before, including an incident where an audio surfaced of him insulting a Mutare City Rovers official.
However, there’s hope on the horizon – a source at the club says they’re making arrangements to pay the affiliation fees by day end today, so Mazodze might still join the fray soon.
Meanwhile, returnees Bikita Minerals FC, Green Fuel FC, and Yadah FC will be in action in Week 1.
Here are the Week 1 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League Fixtures:
Bikita Minerals FC vs Buffaloes FC
Manica Diamonds U-19 FC vs Africa Mineral Ventures FC
Power FC vs Tongogara United FC
Renco Mine FC vs Mutare City Rovers FC
Deportivo La Murambinda FC vs Destiny Stars FC
Bikita Chida Athletic Club FC vs Chivhu FC
Tenax Correctional Services FC vs Yadah FC
Masvingo United FC vs Great Zimbabwe University FC
Green Fuel FC vs Grand Legacy FC
4 Lions FC has a BYE.
