The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi Post Correspondent
SEASONED Zifa Eastern Region Division One campaigners Tenax believe they have gained enough experience over the past seasons to mount a serious challenge for promotion into the Premiership.
One of the pre-season favourites, the correctional services outfit are turning up for a title push as early pacesetters in the marathon.
Out to earn elevation into the elite league they last weekend continued with their perfect start to the term, massacring fellow title aspirants Chipinge Stars 4-0 at home.
They had opened this campaign’s account by overpowering Green Fuels 1-0 and followed it up with an impressive 4-1 dismantling of Chiredzi Stars away at Chishamiso before edging Melfort 0-1 in their own backyard.
Tenax are perched at the apex of the log standings, boasting a 100 percent record with 12 points from their opening four games.
Keen to build on that gathered momentum, the club’s coach Blessing Madombi has declared Chauya Chikara ready and focused to go all the way.
“Every new season brings with it hope that we will do well because we always give our best. Ours has been steady progress made over the past seasons and we have grown stronger and better together as a group. As such we are geared for battle, raring to go and will have another shot at the title. We are in this to win it, clinch the ultimate prize in this league and go on to compete in the Premiership,” declared Madombi to Post Sport this week.
Experience, he added, will be one of the weapons in their armoury as they press for a podium finish. Tenax are now in their seventh season competing in the division, having finished third and second in the past two terms respectively to force their way into the championship picture.
Said Madombi: “This team has evolved really well. We seek to come good this time around because we have done our homework and are eager to improve on where we have been falling short. The development and progress we have made over that gradual time can come in handy to aid our quest. I am confident and happy with the arsenal at our disposal and if we can fire on all cylinders then we can gun for glory. We are looking forward to enjoying this challenge.”
Despite losing to Triangle the division’s top player last season, Nyasha Chinturi, the gaffer is convinced his side has what it takes to compete for the crown and are relishing going that extra step this term and secure promotion. With only one new addition of centre-back Gerald Muringani — who debuted with the all-important goal against Green Fuels — captured from sister club Whawha to the squad, the club also now boasts a cleaner health bill.
“Going for continuity and challenging the available players to rise to the occasion, we did not tinker much with the team. Wirimai Mukudo, Misheck Shupa and Ronaldo Zindove have fully recovered from their long-term injuries. With these players back in the fold and vying for selection, that strength in depth, we trust, can see us last the distance.”
Tenax have been one of the consistent teams over the recent past years and carry the Premiership football hopes of Mutare and Manicaland in the second-tier league alongside Buffaloes, Mutare City Rovers, Green Fuels and Chipinge Stars and will this season vie for the top honour again.
Tenax’s next three fixtures:
Surrey (away)
Renco (home)
United Lions (away)
