Experience will see us through: Buffaloes

28 Oct, 2016 - 00:10 0 Views
Experience will see us through: Buffaloes CLASS OF ‘99. . .Buffaloes FC team that earned Premiership promotion back in 1999. - Standing: Muzondo (medic), Jerry Chidawa (assistant coach), Simba Manzungu, Arnold Mutasa, Simba Wisdom, Sandura Pakamisa, Shadreck Mugurasave, N Saidi, Joseph Mavhiza, D Rashai, Eddie Nyika, Maronga ‘The Bomber’ Nyangela (coach), Ephraim Masakure (assistant coach), Alex Mafume (team manager). Seated: Lazarus Muhoni, Eddie Dube, Nyarai ‘Nyangwe’ Masunde, N Masuku, Chris Dube, Dananai Chinowawa, Pride Tafirenyika, Ndega Matsika

The ManicaPost

Ray Bande Senior Sports Reporter —
BUFFALOES’ gaffer, Ndega Matsika, believes the experience that saw Mutare soldiers fighting and winning Premiership promotion battles two times before will come in handy in this year’s riveting race for the Eastern Region Division One title. The exciting Zifa Eastern Region Division One championship battle of 2016 is only left with four rounds of league matches.

A lot might have changed since the days of the late Brigadier-General Gibson Kachana when Buffaloes first earned promotion into the top-flight league and even much later when the Mutare soldiers repeated the same feat by winning the Eastern Region title in 2011, but the team still exudes an aura of experience within their ranks as they now fight for their third return to Premiership football.

Most of the current crop of players at Buffaloes were not only part of the team that was in the trenches when the team gained promotion almost five years ago, but they are the same players who also made a huge impact at some point in the club’s recent four-year flirtation with top-flight league football.

Interestingly, the technical department office bearers, Matsika and Dananai Chinowawa and veteran linkman, Shepherd Nkata can give a blow by blow account of both episodes in which Buffaloes were promoted into the Premiership because they were there.

Even at administration level, club life executive member one Zibuke, who is still very much active in the day to day affairs of Buffaloes today, has a tale to tell about Premiership promotion battles since the yesteryears when the Ndombolo jingle used to illuminate Sakubva Stadium, to the time the team did it again in 2011, up until to date.

Such is the depth in experience that Matsika is banging on as the team engages its last four opponents of the season. Buffaloes hold the destiny of the league title in their hands, thanks to a one point lead after the same number of games played with second placed Yadah Stars.

Buffaloes face unpredictable Mupandawana at Paradise Stadium in Gutu on Sunday at the same time that Yadah Stars entertain troublesome Prime Rangers in Harare. After the Mupandawana hurdle, Buffaloes host Africa Trust before travelling to Prime Rangers and winding up the season with a date against Tenax at Sakubva Stadium.

Yadah Stars host inconsistent correctional services side Tenax and then face Mutoko Pirates away from home before hosting Masvingo City Dortmund in their last three matches of the season after this weekend’s round of league matches. By simply winning all their remaining four matches, Matsika and his men can celebrate another milestone.

“I think experience is the trump card for us. We have the likes of Shepherd Nkata, Kastigu Zhukinyu, Blessing Mwandimutsira, Lloyd Katongomara and Patrick Alfasi among others. These are experienced players who have what it takes to last the distance.

“I know it won’t be easy, but all we need is to win the remaining matches. Every match that we are now playing is a cup final. We just have to win. I just wish if the people of Mutare could give us that support that we got when we played Yadah at home recently. We were all one. We were a people with one agenda and I was really proud to be part of such a supportive lot.

“I have no doubt that we will make it, God willing. All we need now is the support of every progressive football loving person in Mutare. We just need to set our petty differences aside and focus on making sure we have nonstop Premiership football in Mutare,” said Matsika.

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