Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THERE was once an era when Division One football was a star attraction – a must watch week-in week-out – for many who followed the game with a passion.
In fact, some ardent followers of the game will tell you how Division One fixtures would overshadow top-flight league fixtures, both in terms of fan attendance and entertainment value.
This is no longer the same!
Small crowds, mainly comprising people with personal links to the league itself, clubs, coaches and players, find time to spare to watch Division One football in recent years.
However, a new trend is emerging in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One League, at least for the 2026 season.
The newly born Africa Mineral Ventures, simply referred to by the acronym AMV, has brought back a huge vibe at match venues with record numbers attending the league matches, marking the re-emergence of the old electric atmosphere.
In the short space of time that the club has been in existence so far, unlike most teams in the Eastern Region, including those that played in the top-flight league, Africa Mineral Ventures has availed two buses for its supporters and dished out regalia to fans aligned to the club.
Mutare football fan, Jerry Dore, said what Africa Mineral Ventures is bringing to the football fraternity is what they have been praying for in a long time.
“Africa Mineral Ventures is a truly Manicaland team based in Rusape. I feel very proud of this club and what it is doing to the players and supporters. The owners of the club have shown great love for the fans, giving them free transport to and from matches and T-shirts. This is something that we had not seen here for a long time. This is something that we have been yearning and clamouring for. We really pray for the continued existence of this team,” said Dore.
In a separate interview, another Mutare fan, Malvin ‘Chibaba’ Makarawu, who earned fame for his undying, yet unprofitable support for Premiership side, Scottland FC, thanked Africa Mineral Ventures for investing in football.
“We really want to thank our sponsors, Africa Mineral Ventures for affording us an opportunity to enjoy the game of football. Our strength lies in our ability to have united football fans from two towns – Mutare and Rusape – fusing into one thing. We had two buses availed for supporters and regalia. This is something we missed in the province for a long time, and we are really thankful to AMV.
“Africa Mineral Ventures is a serious football team as evidenced by the investment they have put, not only on the field of play by acquiring good coaches and players, but also for us the fans. They understand the 12th man intelligence very well and for that reason we will support them,” he said.
