malvernmugadzikwa
Langton Nyakwenda in CHISUMBANJE
Greenfuel………………….(1)1
Sheasham…………………….0
THE only goal that decided this contest was befitting for the occasion.
Greenfuel’s Collins Dhuwa became the first player to score a Premier Soccer League goal at the newly opened Greenfuel Stadium yesterday.
For the first time in the history of Zimbabwean football, top-flight football was played in Chisumbanje — which is situated in Chipinge South — some 500 kilometres from Harare.
Greenfuel Stadium is now the only venue that can host premiership football in Manicaland.
And, yesterday, thousands of supporters thronged the arena to witness the momentous occasion.
Business tycoon and Green Fuel owner Billy Rautenbach and some top club officials, including club chairman Fredson Moyo, were also in attendance.
They were all up in celebration in the 22nd minute when Dhuwa hit a volley from outside the box.
That was the only goal of the contest, but it was enough to push Greenfuel to 29 points.
The Chisumbanje-based side are now eighth on the log.
When Rodwell Dhlakama took over as coach, they were one of the bottom four teams.
Dhlakama and his assistant Darlington Dodo have suddenly become local heroes.
“It was good to score that goal in front of a jubilant crowd. It was good to make the fans happy,” said Dhuwa.
Coincidentally, Greenfuel coach Dhlakama comes from Chipinge and the much-travelled gaffer has an emotional attachment with this project.
“You need to have an identity as a person. For me, to coach in this area and help the team is an achievement,” said Dhlakama.
“When we came here, the team was bottom, but we are now in the top 10. I have an emotional attachment with this project.”
Sheasham coach Lizwe Sweswe also paid tribute to Greenfuel sponsors for bringing football to a remote area.
“They (Greenfuel football club) deserve to stay in the Premier Soccer League, with this kind of investment,” said Sweswe.
Local fans were ecstatic.
Some travelled from areas like Nyanyadzi and Chakohwa, while others drove from Chiredzi to witness this momentous occasion.
“We used to travel to faraway areas like Harare and Chiredzi to watch PSL football, but today (yesterday), we have managed to watch top-flight league in our own area,” said Tinashe Chiutsi of Checheche.
Greenfuel football club spokesperson Merit Rumema described the feeling as euphoric.
“It’s out of this world,” she said.
“The amount of work put into this project was huge, a lot of money was put in, and people worked day and night to make this happen,” said Rumema.
“It was an exciting moment for everyone. To bring football to Chisumbanje is no mean feat.
“Greenfuel Stadium is the only functioning stadium in the whole province of Manicaland.
“Everyone was here, the vendors, those in the hospitality industry also benefitted.
“It’s a multifaceted achievement.”
TEAMS
Greenfuel: D. Bizabani, H. Moyo, T. Gora, R. Chinemo, R. Uchena, T. Pfende, C. Dhuwa (N. Takawira 84), T. Mutyambizi (X. Moyo 75) , N. Ndlovu, W. Mapuwa, N. Mwasanga (N. Mwasanga 84)
Sheasham: E. SIbanda, C. Kwaramba, D. Masukuta (T. Macheka 84), K. Musharu (T. Chidhobha 84), N. Mpinduki, L. Masveure, R. Useni, H. Bakacheza, T. Jubane, P. Shoko, K. Matake
Online Reporter