ERSL unveils Energy Park Super 8 Memorial Cup

THE Zifa Eastern Region Soccer League has unveiled the Energy Park Super 8 Memorial Cup, which is set to kick-start the 2024 season.

The ERSL secured a US$ 20 000 sponsorship deal with a local fuel distribution giant, Energy Park for an eight-team knock-out tournament which starts on Saturday. ERSL administrator, Fungai Munyoro Chingaira confirmed the partnership deal with the fuel giant, revealing that the tournament will be used as the season opener for the league.

“We have partnered with Energy Park for a season opener tournament to be called the Energy Park Super 8 Memorial tournament.

“As a region, we are excited to have partnered with Energy Park and we call upon other sponsors to come on board and be part of us as we seek to grow our brand as a football powerhouse in the country.

“Our door is open to those who want to come and sponsor tournaments,” said Munyoro-Chingaira.

The top seven teams from last season namely, Tenax, Masvingo United, Rusitu Tigers, Buffaloes, FC Wangu Mazodze, Mutare City Rovers, FC Hunters, and St Paul Musami are returning to professional football after more than 50 years are set to participate in the tournament.

The first round of matches will see Buffaloes hosting Masvingo United while Tenax hosts Rusitu Tigers with Mutare Rovers playing St Paul Musami in Mutare.

FC Hunters will host FC Wangu Mazodze in Marondera.

The semi-finals have been set for July while the final of the tournament is expected between August and September. Muyoro-Chingaira revealed that all was in place.

“As a region, we are ready for the tournament which officially marks the start of our season which starts on the week-end of April 13-14.

“There is a lot of excitement from the teams that are participating in the tournament as they will use the quarter-finals to gauge their preparedness for the battle for promotion into the top flight come season end,” said Munyoro-Chingaira.