The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
AFTER chalking up two impressive victories on the spin and picking maximum points, debutants, Tenax CS believe that consistency is key in building momentum for a sustained run of positive results in the Castle Lager Premiership campaign.
The Mutare-based prison wardens – one of Manicaland’s two representatives in the top-flight division alongside Manica Diamonds – overcame faded Harare giants, CAPS United in a come-from-behind 2-1 triumph at Sakubva Stadium last Sunday.
Chauya Chikara had stunned ZPC Kariba the previous weekend when they switched them off in their own Nyamhunga backyard after prevailing 1-0.
Tenax CS coach, Shadreck “Father” Mugurasave is encouraged by the team’s performances and expressed optimism that this can spur an upturn in their fortunes following a sluggish start to the season.
“Our results over the recent past games have not been that bad. Being victorious against established sides like CAPS United and ZPC Kariba in two consecutive games is a perfect morale booster for us. Overall, our performance is improving with each passing outing and this gives us confidence going forward.
“We need to be consistent and get some momentum going and if we can build on that, then we will achieve our goals for this season. It is a process and we have to be patient with the progression,” said the former Buffaloes defender and gaffer.
The pair of victories in quick succession came on the back of two straight losses at the hands of in-form Dynamos (3-1, away) and a disappointing 0-2 reverse to Herentals at home.
Prior to that, Chauya Chikara had restricted Highlanders to a goalless draw after forcing another identical stalemate away to ambitious Bulawayo Chiefs the previous weekend.
The draws followed their exciting maiden top-flight 2-0 victory over visiting Bulawayo City.
This is in contrast to the two losses and a draw they posted in their opening three fixtures.
Those defeats were suffered against ex-champions, Chicken Inn (3-0) and FC Platinum (6-1), sandwiched by a 2-2 deadlock with fellow correctional services outfit, WhaWha.
The fluctuating form, however, is not extinguishing Tenax CS’ dream of establishing themselves as one of the Premiership’s permanent residents.
Of the four teams promoted into the Premiership this season – fellow newsboys, Cranborne Bullets and returnees, Bulawayo City and Whawha – Tenax CS are faring better.
Mugurasave said Chauya Chikara will stay on the hunt and hungry for glory.
He added that they are not getting carried away by their recent victories, insisting that there is still a lot of work to be done.
Said Mugurasave: “The guys are getting into the groove and this requires us to continue working hard.
“There is plenty of room for improvement as the boys are getting self-motivated by their good performances. As a coach, I am pleased with the strides we are making as a team.”
Mugurasave said stage fright is no longer an issue in the squad as they are getting used to playing in the top division.
With most of their defeats coming on the road, Tenax CS are hoping to build a formidable record at home and turn Sakubva into a stronghold.
Echoing his coach’s sentiments, the team’s skipper, Joseph Jambo put down their early struggles to the inexperience in the squad.
Only about five players among a troop of 30 had previously played in the Premiership.
“It was a bit difficult at first to get our rhythm as new boys, but we are now finding our feet and getting settled.
“Our team largely comprised youthful players from lower divisions and we blended that with the experience the senior players provided.
“Also playing perennial campaigners like FC Platinum and Chicken Inn in our first three games compounded the situation, but we showed what we are capable of in the second match against Whawha, although poor game management to see out the match ended up costing us,” said the gifted defender.
Jambo added that with their initial nerves as novices giving way to buoyancy, they are now enjoying the game more.
With the tenacity typical of a captain he declared: “We are gearing for the challenges that lie ahead and with time, we will get it right. As a club, Tenax CS will always be brave and show a resilient fighting spirit symbolised by the lion depicted on our badge.”
After losing their top marksman, Farai Mugumwa to cross-town rivals Manica Diamonds, the responsibility of providing goals for the team has now fallen on the shoulders of bustling forward, Malvern Dumbura who boasts vast top-flight league experience.
To beef up the squad, Mugurasave said they have conscripted a handful of youngsters.
Meanwhile, Tenax face another stern test of character when they visit inconsistent Harare City today (Friday).
Mugurasave expressed confidence of pulling off another impressive result against the Sunshine City Boys and galvanise their position on the log standings.
