Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
VETERAN coach, Rodwell Dhlakama, made a sensational return to GreenFuel this week, and the Chipinge-born football tactician has opened up about his strong affinity for the club, rooted in his birthplace in the south-eastern border area.
Dhlakama parted ways with GreenFuel FC, affectionately known as Boys DzeNharo, last year after helping the team avoid relegation.
His departure was shrouded in uncertainty, making his return this week a big surprise.
As part of the team’s technical reshuffle, Dhlakama will now head the department, with Taurai Mangwiro assuming the role of technical advisor.
Dhlakama confessed that he has a soft spot for GreenFuel.
“My sentiments about GreenFuel stem from my deep roots in Chipinge, where the team is based. As someone born and bred in this beautiful community, I feel a strong affinity towards the team,” he said.
He believes that local solutions are often the most effective and values being part of a team that prioritises genuine love, loyalty, and commitment.
“Being part of this team is truly special,” he remarked. Dhlakama, an educated and experienced coach, also highlighted the significance of his Ndau connection to GreenFuel FC and his neighbouring team’s coach, Genesis Mangombe of Triangle United.
“As one of the few coaches from Chipinge in the Premier League, I take pride in working alongside fellow Chipinge native, Genesis Mangombe, who is now at Triangle United. Given our shared roots and proximity to Chipinge, our connection runs deeper. Sharing a common background and understanding of the Ndau culture, traditions, and values enables me to forge a stronger bond with the local community,” he added.
Dhlakama is optimistic that GreenFuel FC, also nicknamed the Ethanol Boys, have the potential to create a lasting brand that showcases the norms, values, and traditions of the Ndau people.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the team’s owner, Billy Rautenbach, for providing resources that enable young talent in the area to flourish.
“I am grateful to our sponsor, Billy Rautenbach, and the management team for recognising the importance of bringing football to marginalised areas. This exposure will undoubtedly inspire young people to pursue their dreams, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. GreenFuel FC’s influence cannot be overstated. This team has the potential to foster the norms, values, and traditions that we all strive for,” he said.
The recent 1-5 defeat at the hands of Triangle United may have been the final straw that led to the sudden restructuring of GreenFuel FC’s technical department.
Despite their inconsistent performances, GreenFuel is one of the better-financed clubs in the country, with staff receiving competitive salaries and allowances on time.
Currently, GreenFuel FC sits 12th on the table, just a few points clear of the relegation zone. With only three wins from 17 matches, having drawn 10 times and lost four, their position is precarious.
Furthermore, their defence has been leaking goals, with only three teams conceding more goals than them.
The recent heavy defeat at Gibbo Stadium against Triangle United FC has only exacerbated this issue.
