Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR over two decades, the Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) have lived in the shadows of their Northern counterparts as the country’s second-tier divisions battle to make their mark in the national game.
It has, in fact, been established that the ESRL have not had a title sponsor since 2001, when the competition was established.
Spanning across three provinces — Masvingo, Manicaland and Mashonaland East — it is from this region that a host of players who have gone on to star for their clubs and country have emerged.
Contemporary and yesteryear Zimbabwe internationals who include current number one goalkeeper Washington Arubi, former Warriors skipper Willard Katsande, Eddie Nyika, Onismor Bhasera, Benjamin Marere, the late Blessing Makunike, Lovemore Mapuya, Dananai Chinowawa, Fortune Binzi and Last Jesi honed their skills in the region before going on to make a mark at different clubs and leagues such as the South African Premiership.
Chelsea teenage sensation Shumaira Mheuka’s father Malcom came from the Eastern region, as did German-based George Mbwando, MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa, Lazarus Muhoni, Joseph Kabwe, Ian and Cliff Matondo, and Joseph “Shabba’’ Takaringofa.
Some of the teams that were impactful are now defunct. They include Eagles, Highway, Chiredzi, Dongo Sawmills, Eastern Lions and Buymore.
In the Premiership, Triangle United, Yadah Stars, Manica Diamonds, Bikita Minerals and GreenFuel trace their roots to the Eastern Region.
Sadly, on most occasions, teams from the ERSL have found themselves being demoted back to Division One after spending just a season or two in the elite league.
The ERSL’s competitive edge has also been hugely affected by lack of sponsorship, with the better-monied teams easily finding their way into the Premiership amid revelations of a number of champions getting some of their points from walkovers as their opponents would have failed to fulfil fixtures.
But that script is about to change ahead of the start of the 2025 season.
The ERSL teams are now bracing for more exciting times this year after the region’s chiefs finally found a corporate partner.
They secured a landmark sponsorship deal with cigarette manufacturers Pacific Storm, who are famed for their association with Premiership giants Dynamos, Highlanders and reigning champions Simba Bhora.
Following a launch ceremony, the division will from March 29 be known as the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One Soccer League.
Their 2025 season would then kick off a week later.
ERSL acting chairperson Wisdom Simba is an excited man following this development and is expecting a riveting season as teams battle for the sole ticket to the Premiership.
Premiership returnees Triangle were the ERSL champions last year.
“Pacific Storm have come at the right time and we will do anything to protect their brand,” Simba told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
“We have never had a title sponsor in the history of the league, going back to as far as 2001.
“So, we are very happy and I am sure this sponsorship from Pacific Storm will go a long way in improving competition in the league.
“The 2025 season is now kicking off after the launch on March 29, that is the first week of April,” added Simba.
The arrival of corporate partners for ERSL should now set the stage for perennial campaigners Mutare City, Tenax and Masvingo United, and the flamboyant Wangu Mazodze to battle for honours with the likes of Buffaloes and Surrey.
