By MICHAEL MIYOBA
THE Premier Futsal League (PFL) has confirmed that the new Football Association of Zambia FAZ/PFL season will resume on Thursday October 5th with defending champions Lusaka Automotive facing promoted Mthunzi Futsal Club in a Week-1 fixture at the Automotive Indoor Futsal Arena.
FAZ/PFL Chairman Tarak Mehta said the new season promises more excitement with clubs focused to topple Automotive.
Mehta who was the delegation leader when the Zambia National Futsal team scooped two trophies during its European tour last month said the beginning of the new season will ensure that national team players are kept in shape for the crucial Futsal Africa Cup qualifiers.
“The date of the beginning of the league was linked to our qualifiers which were supposed to be between October 6th and 10th but there has been no news from CAF and now our focus shifts to the domestic league,” Mehta said.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Automotive coach Andrea Cristoforetti who is the head coach of the National Futsal team said he was looking forward to begin the new season which he predicted that it would be tough.
“We are looking forward to start again and then regarding to the national team on when the qualifiers will be, we will be re camping. It is also important that I can be reviewing all the players in our league,” Cristoforetti said.
“Everything is exciting, the new season is starting and I’m sure this season will be different. A very intense one. We are all focused very much to qualify for the Africa cup and we really want to go and compete so this will be our aim for the season,” he said.
CSS Petauke will launch the new season with a clash against Monze George on Thursday while Kitwe Bullets face Mudi Stars on Friday night.
On Saturday, Green Buffaloes will take on new commers Metro Lilanda while Kafue saints and Lusaka Avengers will host Siavonga Beetles and Warriors respectively.
FULL FIXTURES:
CSS Petauke vs Monze George
Kitwe Bullets vs Mudi Stars
Lusaka Automotive vs Mthunzi
Green Buffaloes vs Metro Lilanda
Kafue Siants vs Siavonga Beetles
Lusaka Avengers vs Warriors
