The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi Sports Correspondent
AFTER narrowly missing out on promotion into the Zifa Eastern Region Division One, MFS Group are bracing for another bruising challenge as they prepare for the 2020 season.
The ambitious side finished as runners-up in Division 2A, joining table-toppers Claremont as well as Division 2B’s top two teams, Nhedziwa and Rekaofela, in the four-team play-offs to determine the team that will win promotion into the second-tier league.
The team lost 2-4 to Nyanga-based Claremont, who maintained their dominance to clinch the slot in the finals.
But that setback has not deterred MFS, who are relishing another bite of the cherry.
Their target remains the same — to secure promotion into Division One.
Boasting seasoned players, which has earned them the moniker Old Boys, the club is banking on that experience to carry them through.
“The previous season was a good experience for us, although we fell short at the end. However, that will not keep us down, we hope to do better. We came close and therefore believe that it is achievable, we can do it. Finishing second in the league and losing the final has actually emboldened our drive to go for it next season.
“We are delighted with the progress made last season as we were seeking to stabilise the club and establish ourselves as a competitive force in the league.
“Taking it all in our stride, we have picked up important lessons from that experience and will not lose hope. We will bounce back stronger this season. We are looking ahead with renewed strength.
“We are challenging ourselves as we compete for this honour. Our ultimate desire is to secure qualification. This demands good performance,” said MFS Group club secretary Tatenda “Gede” Matiringe, who doubles up as a midfielder.
Gearing for their second successive season in the Zifa Eastern Region Division 2A League after more than five years of inactivity, the club is encouraged by the players’ potential.
Matiringe also singled out and paid tribute to the club’s patron, Alfred Choga, who has been steadfast in providing both material and moral support to the side in their pursuit for glory.
“This has been a very interesting journey for the club as we continue pursuing our dream of playing at the highest level in the land, which is the Premier Soccer League. But to get there, first we have to go through the requisite process. We mean business and therefore we have been pushing for that. We will stay focused and continue working hard.
“People like Alfred Choga are working tirelessly behind the scenes. They deserve credit for the club’s success,” the combative Matiringe said.
Matiringe also spoke of a shake-up in the team’s technical set-up as they seek a triumphant formula.
He explained: “Our coach for last season, John Kaitano, has been elevated to be the technical director, while ex-captain Farai Kutesera steps up to be the head coach. He will be assisted by veteran Ferenando Bandura and Godfrey Madziwa.”
The club is banking on the exploits of seasoned players Matiringe, Gwinyai “Shambo” Nyabanga, Zondai “Dutch” Rupande, Edward “Hanga” Masasa, Daniel Machipongo, Maxwell “Soda” Rupande and Phillip “Deco” Taundi.
