The ManicaPost
Kudakwashe Chidziya Sports Correspondent
COMPETITIVE Lowveld outfit Greenfuels, which settled for the bridesmaids slot at the close of the Eastern Region Division One 2017 title race, have made their intentions of gaining Premiership promotion clear by luring top flight league material in their pool of players ahead of the start of the season.
Aggripa Murimba and Hilary Bakacheza both from FC Platinum, veteran forward Dylan Chiwandire as well as former Buffaloes and Manica Diamonds player Moses ‘Kalito’ Gutu joined Green Fuels recently.
Greenfuels, who have played against Premiership clubs Harare City and Highlanders in some of their friendly matches, have since embarked on intensive pre-season training sessions with the intended target to join the elite league next season.
Coach Taku Shariwa said they were leaving no stone unturned in their quest to win promotion.
“We want to gain promotion to the Premier Soccer League. Determination and hard work will definitely take us there. So far we have played preseason games with big teams like Highlanders, Triangle, and Bulawayo Chiefs. I was happy with all the results, we had no defeat. It was a fair result indeed to draw with a team like Highlanders 1-1.
“We have signed Aggripa Murimba and Hilary Bakacheza both from FC Platinum. We want to beef up our squad. Dylan Chiwandire is also joining the club. I am sure they will not just add value to our team but help bring good results for the team,” said Shariwa.
The Zifa Eastern Region Division One league roars to life a week or two after the start of the top flight league with pressure mounting on both players and local teams in preparations for the 2019 season.
The league is expected to have 18 teams and according to the Zifa Eastern Region secretary Wisdom ‘Mabhara’ Simba 14 teams have fully paid the registration fee.
The fixture is expected to be out on March 28 while player registration is ending on March 23.
“The closing date for player registration is March 23. Teams must also pay their affiliation fee since we are closing on March 15. So far we have 14 teams have paid their affiliation fee and this season we are expecting at least 16 to 18 teams to register for the league,” said Simba.
Meanwhile, Tenax head coach Blessing Madombi said his charges’ preparations are at an advanced stage.
Last weekend, Tenax drew 3 all with Buffaloes at Mutare Showground.
“I wanted to see how the players are adapting to the new play. We have a mixture of senior and junior players. The squad has not changed that much though we have lost Nyasha Chintuli to Triangle FC. We intend to strengthen our team with the new signing of Gerald Muringani from Hwahwa FC,” said Madombi.
Tenax’s biggest test is on Sunday as they travel to Mozambique and lock horns with Texta Africa. Texta Africa plays in the Mocambola League which is the top flight league in the neighbouring country.
Buffaloes FC, who are now using Mutare Showground as their home ground, will be looking forward to turn their fortunes and gain promotions.
Elsewhere, former coach Shadreck ‘Father’ Mugurasave, who guided Watungwa Watungwa to the elite league twice in the past, is now in charge of Masvingo United.
Masvingo United and Mucheke Pirates were combined to come up with one team, Masvingo United.
