Mashonaland Eagles coach Stanley Timoni is confident his side will retain their silverware ahead of the resumption of domestic cricket next week.

Zimbabwe Cricket has confirmed the season will start on Tuesday after all the players who were owed by the association were paid their dues last week.

Local players staged a protest against Zimbabwe Cricket over unpaid dues resulting in the abandonment of the match between Matabeleland Tuskers and Midwest Rhinos in Bulawayo in December.

The crisis has been solved and defending champions Mashonaland Eagles will begin their title defence against Rhinos in Harare while Manicaland Mountaineers host Tuskers in Mutare.

Mash Eagles coach Stanley Timoni is bullish ahead of the season.

“We have remained focused, despite all these challenges and that’s what champions do,” said Timoni.

“Guys have been working hard doing extra work and I have loved the attitude at our training sessions.

“This attitude has given me belief that we can do it again,” he said.

The defending champions could face a strong challenge from Midwest Rhinos whose squad looks exciting and dangerous.

The Rhinos, trophy-less to date, have most of the national cricket team players that include skipper Graeme Cremer, senior player Tinashe Panyangara and fresh youngsters Tarisai Musakanda and Carl Mumba.

With this arsenal at his disposal, Midwest Rhinos gaffer Robin Brown expects a fruitful season.

“I think the self belief and confidence the players are carrying in the season is a big positive.

“The other players are very professional and understand what is required from them. Some players have been away on international duty and practiced and played long and hard,” said Brown.