Liberty Dube Sports Correspondent—
ZIFA Eastern Region Division One outfit, Buffaloes Football Club gaffer, Ndega Matsika, whose players disappointed and stumbled at the 11th hour of the promotional
Prophetic Healing Deliverance outfit, Yadah Stars had been awarded the game against Masvingo City on a 3-0 scoreline which saw them in tandem with Buffaloes on 69 points, but ahead on superior goal difference.
However, it was Matsika’s failure to beat Tenax that made more headlines in social circles than the highly expected promotion
“I am still attached to Buffaloes. I am planning my future with Buffaloes in mind. It was a painful loss. It was heartbreaking. It was unfortunate that our last match of the season was against our perennial rivals, Tenax. No-one would love to end a season with such a derby,” he said.
“I would like to apologise to all football lovers in Mutare. The championship was ours to lose. I am sorry to the club executive and all who were really determined to see our team being promoted
He is now shifting focus on next season’s potentially explosive contest.
“I would like to congratulate Yadah for coming out tops. As for us, it is game on. We have moved on. We will not lose hope. Next year we will emerge stronger, physically and mentally. I will, however, work on strengthening all departments and work on the mental wellness of my players, particularly those we were with last season,” he said.
After Mutare City Rovers were relegated after an excruciating defeat by Ngezi Platinum on the last day of the season, Mutare will go without a resident Premiership football team next season.
Next year, in Division One, the army side will fight again with the same seemingly stubborn opponents such as Tenax, Surrey, Africa Trust and Mutoko FC.
Fighting on their own would have detrimental effects on their quest for promotion