Buffaloes gaffer Matsika speaks out

16 Dec, 2016 - 00:12 0 Views
Buffaloes gaffer Matsika speaks out

The ManicaPost

Liberty Dube Sports Correspondent—

ZIFA Eastern Region Division One outfit, Buffaloes Football Club gaffer, Ndega Matsika, whose players disappointed and stumbled at the 11th hour of the promotional race to let Harare-based Yadah Stars win the title, has apologised to the club’s executive and fans for letting them down.The army side needed a straight win against Correctional Services outfit, Tenax to win the championship, but blew the grand opportunity after they drew one-all in a tightly contested match that left scores of fans who thronged Sakubva Stadium disappointed.

Prophetic Healing Deliverance outfit, Yadah Stars had been awarded the game against Masvingo City on a 3-0 scoreline which saw them in tandem with Buffaloes on 69 points, but ahead on superior goal difference.

However, it was Matsika’s failure to beat Tenax that made more headlines in social circles than the highly expected promotion of Yadah FC.

“I am still attached to Buffaloes. I am planning my future with Buffaloes in mind. It was a painful loss. It was heartbreaking. It was unfortunate that our last match of the season was against our perennial rivals, Tenax. No-one would love to end a season with such a derby,” he said.

“I would like to apologise to all football lovers in Mutare. The championship was ours to lose. I am sorry to the club executive and all who were really determined to see our team being promoted to the top-flight league. I would run out of superlatives to describe people who fought on my side for us to win, among them, Ticha Zikali.  The support we received from our beloved supporters was overwhelming. I remember our last two home matches, particularly against Yadah. They made us conquer. Unfortunately, our best was not good enough,” added the former Mighty Warriors’ goalkeeper’s coach.

He is now shifting focus on next season’s potentially explosive contest.

“I would like to congratulate Yadah for coming out tops.  As for us, it is game on. We have moved on. We will not lose hope. Next year we will emerge stronger, physically and mentally. I will, however, work on strengthening all departments and work on the mental wellness of my players, particularly those we were with last season,” he said.

After Mutare City Rovers were relegated after an excruciating defeat by Ngezi Platinum on the last day of the season, Mutare will go without a resident Premiership football team next season.

Next year, in Division One, the army side will fight again with the same seemingly stubborn opponents such as Tenax, Surrey, Africa Trust and Mutoko FC.

Fighting on their own would have detrimental effects on their quest for promotion and it will instead benefit teams from other places such as Masvingo and Marondera.

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