Onward Gangata, [email protected]
FORMER Warriors striker Luke Jukulile-Petros is one win away from earning a seat at the same table with an elite group of coaches who have managed to win promotion into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) at least three different times.
Veteran coach Arthur Tutani remains one of the most decorated coaches in that regard, having won promotion five times.
He did it with Sporting Lions, Mwana Africa, Black Rhinos, Monomutapa and Simba Bhora in 2022.
Bulawayo Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino is also another specialist, having succeeded on four occasions with Chapungu (2013), Nichrut (2017), Sheasham (2022) and Bulawayo Chiefs (2025).
Among that respected list is the late Lindile Dube, who did it three times with Railstars (2003), Zimbabwe Saints (2005) and Underhill (2007).
Jukulile-Petros, who previously won promotion as a coach twice with Whawha in 2014 and 2019, has a chance to make it three on Saturday.
His Blanket Mine side needs three points to secure promotion with two matches to spare.
They will become the first team among the four Division One leagues in the country to gain promotion.
A win against relegation-threatened Shurugwi FC at Makusha Stadium is all Blanket Mine needs.
Yet for Jukulile-Petros, the team’s success comes far ahead of personal glory.
“Our approach remains the same if you look at the way we have been winning matches,” he told the Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“It is a true testimony of our hard work and not underrating our opponents, we treat every team we play with respect.”
Blanket Mine currently has 77 points and a win will put their tally at an unassailable 81.
Kwekwe United are the closest in second place with 70 points, three games before the season ends.
Jukulile-Petros stressed that his charges are not under any form of pressure ahead of the weekend game.
“We have passed the level of putting pressure on our players, they know what is at stake and where we are, and where we want to reach in terms of the promotion race,” added the former Lancashire Steel and Kaizer Chiefs goal poacher.
Fixtures: Saturday
Grain Tigers v Kwekwe United, Super Strikers v Chapungu, Shurugwi FC v Blanket Mine, Vhembe Stars Academy v Gwanda Pirates, Tongogara v Good Morning, Sabi Gold Mine v Dulibadzimu, ZRP Gwanda v Shabanie, FC Platinum U19 v West Nicholson, Matobo v MSU
