The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
ZIFA Eastern Region Division One championship winning coach Shadreck ‘‘Father’’ Mugurasave, who has led the Mutare army side into the top flight league twice, believes the contest for Premiership promotion is still wide open and his team can go all the way clinch the coveted accolade.
Watungwa Watungwa, as Buffaloes are affectionately known, is 10 points adrift of log leaders Manica Diamonds FC, having accrued 28 points from 14 matches.
Mugurasave and his men believe they have what it takes to shove aside Manica Diamonds and second placed Tenax FC. Surrey FC is occupying fourth position on the log with 26 points and Chisumbanje based Green Fuel are on fifth position with 25 points.
Watungwa Watungwa is still to play the log leaders, Manica Diamonds. The match is scheduled for next weekend at Mutare Boys High School. ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League takes a week’s break to pave way for the harmonized elections and Mugurasave believes the break gives them enough time to take a breather and recharge their batteries.
“It is still game on and we are still in the race. We are training as usual and we when we meet Manica Diamonds we will not adjust. We are not changing anything. As long as we are playing in the same league, we are equally the same. In as much as we appreciate that we are not in a good position on the table, I have to say it is not too late for us to talk of winning a promotion.
“As for the break, it came when we needed it most. It came as a blessing in disguise. We will work and correct on the areas that we feel need correction. Our strike force has not been doing quite well but our defence is very strong,” he said.
Manica Diamonds FC coach Luke ‘‘Vahombe’’ Masomere said they are treating the Buffaloes game like any other games.
“It is not any special game to us. We have discovered that every team that we play against is under pressure. As Manica Diamonds, we have leant to accept any result because we know that in the game of football, a team can win, draw or lose. But we are playing to win.
“I am very happy with the break as three quarters of my players have been playing with injuries. It is indeed a blessing in disguise and I am very happy as a coach. When we bounce back I will have a full squad,” he said.
Next Weekend Fixtures
Renco Mine v Gutu; Bikita Minerals v United Lions; Melfort v Mwenezana; Masvingo United v Prime BH Rangers; Greenfuels v Surrey; Zero One One FC v Masvingo Pirates; Manica Diamonds v Buffaloes; Gaza Gunners v Tenax FC:
