Callis 5 Aside Soccer League set to kick-off

THE Callis 5-Aside Soccer League is set to start tomorrow in Chitungwiza with Porkshop FC looking to defend their title against 11 other opponents.

The league started back in 2021 and has grown since then and they are now receiving endorsements from the corporate world.

Local entrepreneur Tinashe John Makwasha, who is also a former player, has donated football equipment to the league ahead of the upcoming season.

League representative Callistus Keche, who recently received a community hero status from ZimGold said everything is set and they are expecting a thrilling season full of competition.

“Everything is slated for this weekend and we are raring to go. All teams have shown their zeal to make an impact and all is set.

“But we are still calling out for more sponsors who can come and assist. We have made an impact in the community such that our games are oversubscribed which reflects how the community has found trust in us,” he said.

Keche appealed to the ZIFA Normalisation Committee for them to recognise the league and allow them to affiliate.

“Now our biggest appeal is to ZIFA for them to recognise Futsal as a sport. We wish to see them setting a structure for us to have a provincial and national league.

“Right now other countries are being involved in tournaments like the Futsal World Cup and the Futsal Afcon but we cannot participate because the sport is not affiliated to ZIFA.

“We have already engaged the Normalisation Committee on the issue and hope they will fast-track the process.

“Futsal as a sport is fundamental for the development of football at large and the major reason why we should prioritise it as a country.

“A player who gets developed in Futsal always finds it easy in football as one is exposed to close control and technical awareness. It is our wish that we take this major step and uplift our players by improving Futsal.”