Wenslus Murape
Bruce Chikuni, Sport Reporter
GREENFUEL can only hope that the stunning rise of goalie Tendai Chirara will inject life in their bid to dodge relegation waters.
It’s now 11 games to go before the Castle Lager Premiership ongoing season ends.
Green Fuel are just three points off the red zone and they have won once in their last four fixtures scoring a goal in the process.
Chirara has been a guiding light fuelling hopes of a brighter future for struggling Green Fuel as he has refused to be beaten in the team’s previous four assignments.
He played no part in the GreenFuel’s first 17 fixtures of the campaign as he was providing cover for Nedrick Madeya and Chilenga, who were rotating the task to shield the goalposts.
This means he has kept four clean sheets in 6 attempts something which is not bad for a 20-year-old, who is making his PSL debut at the peak of the season.
He was the hero last season when Chegutu Pirates won the ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League marathon to book their spot in the Premiership.
He played a significant role to power Dzinza with 26 clean sheets despite missing four games of the season.
With four clean sheets in his new role, Chirara is proving that last season’s success was no fluke.
His remarkable journey continues to inspire, and many believe he’s destined for greatness.
His passion, dedication, and natural ability have made him a fan favorite and coach Saul Chaminuka has handed him the captain’s armband.
As GreenFuel pushes for glory, Chirara remains focused on the task at hand.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to play at this level, I want to thank our coaches who have been pushing me to do better,” he said.
“I’m learning every day and giving my all to help the team succeed.”
He told Zimpapers Sport that his experience with Chegutu Pirates has prepared him for the challenges ahead, and he’s ready to face whatever comes his way.
As the season unfolds, Chirara’s name is on everyone’s lips in Chisumbanje with some asking why he was not preferred at the start of the season.
His highlight of the season was a late penalty save on the road against TelOne in a game they eventually won 1-0.
Club chairman, Fredson Moyo, described Chirara as impactful signing of the season.
“He has made great impact considering the role he has played in a limited amount of games as compared to his peers.
“It’s his time and he knows what he needs to do to impress the coaches but I’m really impressed with his contributions.
“Chirara is very young and he is handling the leading role very well. It shows he is very ambitious and
I believe he is one of the best players we have,” said Moyo
Online Reporter