daniel chigunwe
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimapwrs Sports Hub
TAURAI MANGWIRO has been doing his business quietly, since taking over the reigns from Saul Chaminuka at the Chisumbanje-based side, GreenFuel.
Mangwiro, a vastly experienced gaffer with previous stints at CAPS United, Triangle and Harare City, was appointed at the beginning of the year.
He believes he has assembled a team with a “good blend” of experience, youth and a local flavour.
Veterans, Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo and Perfect Chikwende arrived along with experienced goalkeeper Ashley Rayners.
The 32-year-old Chitiyo spent last season at Malawi giants Nyasa Bullets, who were also home to Collin Mujuru, who is now another addition to the GreenFuel ensemble.
Mangwiro also held trials in Chisumbanje and discovered what he described as “some exciting youngsters”.
The former Monomotapa coach is confident that his rookies could fit well into his system.
“We are in our fourth week of preparations.
“We have covered some ground especially on conditioning and we are now slowly making progress on the tactical aspects of the game,” says Mangwiro.
GreenFuel are bracing for their third season in the top-flight league.
They finished 10th in their maiden year in 2023, before managing 12th position last year.
Last season was largely a disappointing term for GreenFuel who are one of the most financially stable teams in the Premier Soccer League.
The club’s executive reacted to that show by sacking Chaminuka and replacing him with his erstwhile assistant Mangwiro.
Chaminuka had come as a replacement for Rodwell Dhlakama who was sacked in a shock move by the club.
A number of players have also been shown the door, including defensive midfielder Learnmore Muyambo, forward Bruno Mtigo and central defender Godwin Goriyati.
Goalkeepers Tendai Chirara and Tapiwa Chilenga have also left the Ethanol Boys.
“Since we have a new squad the other major task we have as a technical team is to bond the team, try a few combinations and work on identifying weaknesses to be rectified and reinforce on our strengths,” Mangwiro said.
The former Orapa United coach believes the arrival of Chitiyo will boost his squad. Chitiyo has over 12 years’ experience in top flight football.
Locally has played for Douglas Warriors, Monomotapa United, Dynamos, Harare City and CAPS United.
He also had a foreign stint with CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in 2017.
“We managed to bring in Rayners, a very experienced goalkeeper from CAPS United, Frank Kuchineyi, also a n experienced keeper.
“We also brought in Perfect Chikwende who comes in with his young brother Emmanuel a defender, Chitiyo a lot of experience, we got him and Collin Mujuru from Nyasa Bullets.
“We also roped in Marlon Mushonga from Ngezi Platinum Stars and defender Robert Kwaramba from Bulawayo Chiefs.
“We held some trials and managed to identify a couple of exciting youngsters we are working with, some locals that we hope to rope into our team,” revealed Mangwiro. Green Fuel made history in 2023, when they became the first team from Chipinge District to play in the Premier Soccer League. Their stadium, GreenFuel Arena, which is a few kilometres from the famous Checheche Growth Point, now hosts PSL matches.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter