Hwange FC have once again shown why they remain one of the competitive football club outside the Premier Soccer League.

 After falling short of promotion during the 2025 season, the coal miners have returned in 2026 stronger, emerging as the team to beat in the Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League.

Sixteen matches into the season, Hwange sits at the top of the table with 38 points after winning 11 matches and drawing five. They are the only side with an unbeaten record at the summit and have built their success on an outstanding defence, conceding only four goals while scoring 32.

Their rise this season is not by chance. Hwange have been among the strongest clubs in the Southern Region over the last two seasons. During the 2025 campaign, they were also one of the leading contenders for promotion but could not sustain their challenge until the end as Bulawayo Chiefs eventually secured the championship and earned promotion to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. Instead of allowing disappointment to define them, Hwange rebuilt, retained the core of their squad and have returned this year looking like a club with unfinished business.

The title race, however, is far from over. Talen Vision FC are only four points behind Hwange with 34 points and are also yet to lose a league match. Jordan FC remain close on 33 points, having suffered only one defeat all season. Their consistency means that one poor run from Hwange could completely change the championship picture.

Bulawayo Warriors FC, who occupy fourth place with 28 points, still have an outside chance if the leading trio begin dropping points, while Nkayi United and Mega Watt FC remain within touching distance and could yet influence the destination of the championship.

At the opposite end of the table, the battle to avoid relegation is becoming just as intense. Aqua Stars FC are rooted at the bottom with 11 points and face an uphill task to preserve their Division One status. Mosi Rovers FC and Njube Spurs FC also occupy the relegation places after struggling for consistency throughout the season. Imbizo FC, with 15 points, are just above the drop zone but remain in danger, while Bosso90 FC and Khami United FC cannot afford to relax as the gap separating them from the bottom four remains small.

Away from the action on the pitch, the biggest victory for the Southern Region Soccer League this season has been the arrival of Pacific Breeze as the league's title sponsor. Earlier this year, Pacific Cigarette Company, through its Pacific Breeze brand, unveiled a US$37,000 sponsorship package for the league. It became the  major commercial sponsorship in the competition's history and

The sponsorship is more than just prize money for the league champions. Every club in the league receives financial support to help meet transport and operational costs. The package also includes monthly awards for outstanding players and coaches, improved branding of the competition and increased media exposure. These developments are expected to improve professionalism and make the league more attractive to sponsors and talented players.

Southern Region Soccer League chairman Chris Mtungwazi described the partnership as a landmark moment for football in the region.

"This sponsorship marks a major milestone in the history of the Southern Region Soccer League. It shows that our clubs matter, our players matter and regional football deserves recognition. We believe this partnership will help us grow the league and improve the standard of football."

Pacific Cigarette Company Sales and Marketing Executive Takunda Mangauzani, earlier  this year said the company hopes the investment will leave a lasting legacy.

"We are proud to partner with the Southern Region Soccer League. We believe football changes communities and brings people together. We expect this partnership to produce positive results for both the league and the communities it serves."

As the second half of the season approaches, all eyes will remain on Hwange FC. The former Premier Soccer League side knows what it takes to compete at the highest level and has shown the hunger to return there.

Their unbeaten run, solid defence and consistency have made them favourites for promotion, but with Talen Vision FC and Jordan FC refusing to fall away, the race is still wide open.

If Hwange maintain their current form, 2026 could finally become the year they end their wait for a return to the Premier Soccer League. After proving themselves as genuine contenders in both the 2025 and 2026 campaigns.