Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
BUOYED by their triumph in the Pacific Storm ZIFA Eastern Region Division One league sponsorship launch match, Mutare-based prisons and correctional service side, Tenax CSFC, have firmly set their sights on challenging for the championship and earn Premiership promotion.
The prison wardens defeated bitter rivals, FC Wangu Mazodze – last season’s fellow title aspirants – 0-2 in the game played at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo last weekend.
A goal apiece by Raymond Horonga and player-of-the-match, Liberty Manzunzu in the first half secured victory for Tenax CSFC as they lifted the inaugural cup and first piece of silverware for the 2025 campaign.
After missing out on the sole ticket into the top-flight league last year, Chauya Chikara believe they have what it takes to go all the way this term and clinch the coveted crown.
Coach, Blessing Madombi and his charges last season finished third in the second-tier league, behind eventual champions, Triangle and ambitious outfit, FC Wangu Mazodze.
Club chairman, Stephen Masina, has declared that they are eyeing the ultimate prize.
“As Tenax CSFC, we are declaring our Pacific Storm ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League title ambitions; we are in it to win it. The club is challenging for the championship to secure our passage back into the Premiership. That is our ultimate goal this season as we knock on the doors of the top-flight league.
“We got the campaign underway on a victorious note after beating FC Wangu Mazodze in the league sponsorship launch match in Masvingo last weekend. That marked an achievement for us because we are the inaugural winners, and also taking into consideration the pedigree of the opponents. This has really boosted our morale, and we are eager to build on that momentum gathered, and keep it going until it drags us over the finishing line ahead of everyone else at the end of the season,” said the seasoned football administrator.
Masina added that adequate preparations for the new season, which kicked off on Sunday, have left the squad in good shape and raring to go. He said they have been very meticulous in laying the groundwork for what promises to be another grueling grind.
“Our preparations were thorough and started very early. Everyone was in high spirits during camp ahead of this season’s huge expectations. We had a number of friendly matches, during which we ran the rule over the entire squad and planned for the campaign in detail,” said Masina, adding that their squad remains intact. The prisons and correctional services side has also conscripted a few additions to bolster their ranks.
“We have added a few new faces to the team this year, scouted from other local teams. These promising and talented players bring in energy and another dimension to our game as we aim to reach the Promised Land,” he said.
Lloyd Marange and Christopher Chiko (both from Mutare City Rovers) and Raphael Kahiki (Manica Diamond Juniors) will be donning the Tenax CSFC strip this season.
Tenax CSFC have retained the bulk of the squad that did duty for them last term.
Veteran utility player, Joseph Jambo – who is among the club’s other two captains, Phillip Makumi and Baggio Shome – said the team’s experience underlines their title credentials.
“We are seasoned campaigners and are banking on that experience. This is a group of players that has been together for a long time and we also have a blend of exciting and blossoming talent. We are hoping that this mainstay forms the backbone of the team and gives us an edge against our competitors,” said Jambo.
Following that glorious start to the campaign at Mucheke last weekend, Tenax CSFC kick-off their title challenge with an away date to JM Busha 54 at Rudhaka tomorrow (Saturday).
