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Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
IN 2016, in the final round of the Eastern Region Division One League fixtures, Mutare army outfit, Buffaloes needed an outright victory to earn promotion into the Premier Soccer League.
The final encounter of that season saw them facing city rivals, Tenax FC at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare.
At the end, the two Mutare teams settled for a one-all stalemate, with the prison wardens giving an extra effort, for virtually nothing, but Fair Play and Fair Play alone.
At the end, Buffaloes failed to secure Premiership promotion and Mutare in particular and Manicaland as a province did not have a top-flight league team the following season.
At the end, Yadah FC, a surprise inclusion in the league, having joined from Harare Province Division Two League, pipped army side, Buffaloes to the title and a ticket into the Premier Soccer League on a superior goal difference after both teams had ended the season on 67 points from 30 matches.
Fast forward seven years later, Buffaloes and Tenax FC clash once again in a potentially explosive Eastern Region Division One League encounter penciled for Vengere Stadium tomorrow (Saturday).
Just like in 2016, the two teams are clashing at a time when one of them desperately need maximum points to keep alive their hopes of winning the title race.
This time it is Tenax FC who are in desperate need of nothing short of maximum points, and Buffaloes coach, Shadreck ‘Father’ Mugurasave is aware of all this.
“It was a painful experience for everyone who belongs to the Buffaloes family, and people do not have a short memory. Our players and our supporters are aware of all this.
“In fact, it is being talked about in the corridors and the players are eagerly waiting for the match on Sunday. We have nothing against Tenax FC, apart from the revenge mission at hand that we cannot ignore. It has nothing to do with hatred for Tenax FC, but it is all in the name of Fair Play,” said the former Buffaloes defender-turned-coach.
Mugurasave spoke of his team’s chances of winning the encounter, saying both teams have equal chances of walking away with the bragging rights.
“It is a 50-50 affair. The better team of the day can collect the three maximum points. We are prepared for the derby. We are not after a draw, but three points,” said Mugurasave.
Tenax FC chairman, Stefan Masina said: “The best team will win at the end of the day and history will repeat its self. We are taking every game as it comes. Our boys are ready for the derby. We are preparing as usual. Our previous clash should be a thing of the past and we should concentrate on this new season. This year, the competition is stiff as you can see with the log standings.”
Meanwhile, ZIFA Eastern Region chairman, Davison Muchena, has pleaded for tolerance and sportsmanship in the remaining four rounds of league matches left before the curtain comes down on the 2023 season.
His plea comes in the wake of violent scenes witnessed after last weekend’s league match pitting championship chasing, Tenax FC and Grayham.
“The match between Grayham and Tenax ended up in scenes of violence. This is the last thing we want in our game as it removes the glamour and trustworthiness we need.
“As the Eastern Region executive, we want to appeal to our teams to take into consideration the weight of the game and should also respect the personal taking charge of the match to reduce element of mishaps, errors and increase the credibility of our region.
“Let us make sure that we reduce these complaints and violence to finish our season on a high note. I have no doubt that all the teams will heed our appeal as we approach the finishing line,” reads part of the message circulated to affiliates by Muchena.
While Tenax FC entertain Buffaloes at Vengere Stadium in Rusape tomorrow, Manica Diamonds Juniors will clash with FC WanguMazodze at Mutare Showgrounds Sports Arena at the same time.
Eastern Region D1 Road To PSL Top Six Teams’ Remaining Matches:
FC WANGU MAZODZE:
v Manica Diamonds Juniors-A
v Busha -H
v Tenax -A
v Masvingo- H
v Renco Mine- A
TENAX CS FC:
v Buffaloes – H
v Surrey -A
v FC WanguMazodze – H
v Manica Diamonds Juniors – A
v Busha– H
RUSITU TIGERS:
v Hunters – H
v Chiredzi- A
v Bikita Minerals – H
vMutare City Rovers – A
v bye
BIKITA MINERALS:
v bye
v Mutare City Rovers – H
v RusituTigers – A
v Midway – H
v Grayham – A
MUTARE CITY:
v Chiredzi– H
v Bikita Minerals – A
v bye
v Rusitu Tigers – H
v Midway – A
BUFFALOES:
v Tenax– A
vMasvingo – H
v Renco – A
vHunters – A
v Chiredzi– H
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