Online Reporter
Tendai Chara
Zimpapers Sports Hub
PAUL “Popopo” Chilimazeni believes he can add Grande Legacy to the clubs he has helped into the top flight despite the Murehwa side sitting eight points behind Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One leaders Yadah.
Chilimazeni has been here before. Last year, he took over Agama from Arthur “Toots” Tutani, won three matches in nine days and remained unbeaten for the rest of the campaign to secure promotion.
His record also includes leading Lengthens into the Premier Soccer League in 2006, helping lay the foundations for Mushowani Stars’ promotion in 2013 and serving as Tutani’s assistant when Simba Bhora went up in 2022. The CAF A licence holder was named the Northern Region Soccer League Coach of the Year for his work with Agama.
Chilimazeni replaced Willard Katsande at Grande Legacy in July, but his start has been more modest, with one win, two draws and one defeat.
His first assignment came just three days after his appointment and ended in a 2-0 victory over former PSL side Green Fuel. Tenax handed him his only defeat so far.
“We are working towards clinching the title. It is a process which demands consistency and hard work,” Chilimazeni said.
“Competition in the Eastern Region is becoming stiffer by the year.
“We have former Premier League clubs such as Tenax, Yadah, Bikita Minerals and Green Fuel. These clubs, just like us, are determined to win the championship.”
Grande Legacy, known as the Golden Boys, play at St Paul Musami Mission and have blended youngsters from surrounding communities with PSL veterans Derick Murimba, Tendai Matindife and Trust Nyabinde. With Grande Legacy still eight points adrift, Chilimazeni knows there is little room for error.
“We need to work very hard, be consistent and avoid dropping points,” he said.
“We simply need to be consistent until the last day of the season.”
