Godknows Matarutse Sports Reporter
THE Zifa Northern Region Division One league resumes after a month long break with title contenders Twalumba and DStv Rangers locking horns in an explosive encounter at Rufaro today. In the reverse fixture in June, Twalumba emerged victorious after posting a 3-0 win, a result which knocked DStv into second place on the table.
While Twalumba have been busy on the market strengthening their squad, DStv did not sign any new players and instead lost three of their influential players.
Talent Chawapihwa and Witness Savanhu joined Premiership debutants Harare City while their leading goal-scorer Kenny Mageja crossed the floor to Hippo Valley.
DStv coach Masimba Mutame is still hopeful of clinching the sole ticket into the top-flight league next year.
“We have enough arsenal at our disposal. We lost good players during the window period but we can adjust and do well.
“We are not worried about Twalumba and we hope to reverse the first result when they beat us. It’s not we were bad that day but our goalkeeper was our biggest let-down that day and our first choice ‘keeper is back.
“We are ready for the battle and I believe we are still in contention for the championship,” said Mutame.
Twalumba manager, Wilson Mutekede, is confident his newly assembled side will deliver.
“It’s not going to be an easy match for us but we are ready for the battle. The second half of the season will be very crucial for us and we want to start on a high. They are obviously looking for revenge after we beat them in the first match and we need to be careful in our approach to the game,” Mutekede said.

Fixtures
Northern Region:
Today: Flame Lily v Aces Youth Soccer Academy (Chikurubi), Eiffel Flats v Power Master (Rimuka), Blue Jets v Mwana Africa (Pfupajena), Black Rhinos v Jumbo Giants (Commando), Banket Mine v Skylink (Banket)
Tomorrow: Twalumba v DSTV Rangers (Rufaro), Scotia v ZPC Kariba (Chibuku)
Eastern Region:
Hippo Valley v Arcturus (Chishamiso), Triangle v Renco Mine (Gibbo), Tenax v Mutare City (Sakubva), Mwenezana v Mkwasine (Mwenezi), ZRP Masvingo v Ruwa (Mucheke), Setheo v Masvingo United (Mucheke), Gaths mine v Chivhu Stars (Gaths), Surrey v Gaza Gunners (Rudhaka)
Southern Region:
Hwange Jnrs v Makhandeni (Hwange), Railstars v Bantu Rovers (Raylton), Mpumalanga v How mine (Hwange), ZPC Hwange v Rufaro (Hwange), New West v Tsholotsho (Luveve), Bulawayo Chiefs v Sizani (Plumtree), Power Cosmos v Black Boots (Hwange), Zimbabwe Saints v Projects (White City).