adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
SEVEN Flames coach Kudakwashe Matuwi has attributed their big win in the World Navi Northern Region Division One soccer league to hard work and perseverance by his troops. After going for eight matches without a win Seven Flames had become low on confidence as the newboys clearly struggled to adjust to life in Division One and their lack of depth has also been haunting the club. Their rare victory against Mushowani Stars will go a long way in restoring the team’s confidence and self belief.
Seven Flames upstaged highly-rated Mushowani 1-0 through Peter Rupiya’s 34th minute strike and once they got a first half breakthrough, they held on and repelled everything that their opponents threw at them.
Matuwi said despite going through a difficult time, they had continued to work on improving their game and remained optimistic that they would soon turn the corner.
“It’s a result of hard work. We have been working hard for results to come so I am happy at least they came.
“I give credit to the youngsters, they are trying to work hard and they have been listening to my instructions.
“The fact that we are in the same league means there isn’t much difference. I think it’s just a matter of time, when the right time it all works out.
“We approached the game as usual, we wanted results and everyone put more than 100 percent effort.
“We pressed them from the start and created so many chances. We were on top of the situation,” said Matuwi.
The Seven Flames coach, however, urged his players to remain focused ahead of their upcoming matches and not to lose focus after Saturday’s win.
“We want to maintain that form so that results continue coming. We don’t have to be too confident because of a single win, it’s already in the past.
“So we have to focus on the upcoming games because each and every game is different,” said Matuwi.
Matuwi has indicated that he will be adding some new faces to his team during the window period having registered 20 players at the beginning of the season.
Meanwhile, the Chegutu Pirates executive and sponsors are expected to come with a concrete position on Tavaka Gumbo, the coach they dismissed and replaced with Gipter Raiva last month, when they hold a meeting tomorrow.
There have been allegations that the coach is trying to force his way back into the club and a meeting was held last Friday “to deal with the issue and other pressing matters at the club’’ but could not come up with a final decision.
The meeting will be continued tomorrow with all interested stakeholders expected to attend.
Chegutu Pirates chairman, Musiiwa Dube, said they will have an official position after tomorrow’s meeting and could not say much about Friday’s meeting.
“We didn’t conclude the meeting. We are hoping all issues will be dealt with on Wednesday then we can say what the official position is because it affects a lot of people and it’s sensitive,” said Dube.
Gumbo also declined to discuss the matter at least not before the meeting but pledged to speak after the meeting.
Online Reporter