adminAPART from it being a source of sports entertainment to billions across the globe, football by nature is meant to unite people from different walks of life, religion, race or ethnicity.
It is against this background that newly promoted Premiership outfit Dongo Sawmills project, is expected to play a crucial role not only in providing sporting entertainment but also uniting people from different walks of life, religion, race or ethnicity in Manicaland and beyond.
From humble beginnings as a Nyanga based social soccer outfit, playing simply to entertain the disabled at Zimbabwe National Army’s Tsanga Lodge, the team developed over the years and formally joined Nyanga /Rusape Division Three before joining Division Two.
All the way with the financial support of Francis Dongo, the team later joined Division One where they spent only one season before being promoted to compete against the best in the game on the domestic scene next season.
Commendably, the owner – Francis Dongo – of the club, refused to sell the franchise even when some very attractive offers came their way.
This was indeed a commendable gesture from Dongo which came against the backdrop of unwarranted mudslinging epitomised by frivolous, mischievous, baseless and malicious accusations that the man wanted to sell the franchise.
But next season, the team, under the Dongo Sawmills brand will continue using Vengere stadium as their home ground simply because Nyanga does not have a proper match venue.
It being a project originating from Nyanga and later adopting Rusape as its home, the people of Nyanga and Rusape will have a team of their own in the top flight league for the first time in the history of local football.
Whenever they will travel the lengths and breadths of this nation – from Hwange to Kariba, the capital to Bulawayo – Dongo Sawmills will represent the aspirations of the people of Nyanga and Rusape, as well as the entire province of Manicaland.
History will record that Dongo Sawmills and Buffaloes were the 2015 team from Manicaland and for the record, Manicaland has never known a provincial derby.
Now that the Dongo has been promoted into the top flight league, it is time for people in Rusape, Nyanga and Manicaland in general to support the team for the good of the game of football.
Attaining Premiership promotion is a milestone achievement that needs everyone’s support. A collective role should be put to ensure that the team’s home ground is established and prepared for next season. It will be a sad development next year if Vengere stadium is condemned and disallowed from hosting Premiership matches hence the need to make moves to renovate the flagship Rusape sporting venue.
Be that as it may, this is also time for the team’s administration to strengthen their team to match other renowned teams in the top flight league.
Without underestimating the contributions of those who took the team to the Promised Land, beefing up the squad, adding quality players and offloading excess baggage is of paramount importance at this stage.
No doubt, a competitive outfit is needed!
It needs not be overemphasised that time flies and preparations should start as soon as yesterday.
This is a new journey the team has embarked on and it needs concentration, seriousness, dedication and commitment.
More importantly, the owners of the game – the supporters – are obliged to possess these and other attributes for the team to glide smoothly and compete effectively well next season.
There is also need to maintain and nurture the legacy Dongo Sawmills have created for Rusape and Nyanga in particular and even in the entire Eastern Region.
Online Reporter