Hartley Academy makes amends

Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
HARTLEY Academy coach, Taku Shariwa, believes playing their debut Eastern Region Division One season last year was a learning curve and they are geared to get things right this season. A determined Hartley landed bridesmaids position in a tightly contested Eastern Region Division One race that was eventually won by Mutare City Rovers on the last day of the season.

The club has upped their tempo in their pre-season preparations ahead of the 2016 Eastern Region Division One soccer season. In an interview, their coach, said playing their debut Division One soccer season was an eye-opener.

“I think we have learnt our lesson and my boys have gained the required experience. Mutare City Rovers were a bit organised than us and it was because of experience which they gained over the years. They came out second many times before gaining promotion and I think we have also learnt from our mistakes,” he said.

In their ambitious bid to get PSL promotion, they have roped in former DeMbare player, Masimba Dinyero as Shariwa’s deputy.

“Our major goals are to nature and develop talent and above all we want to gain promotion to play in the elite league. Masimba Dinyero joined us and he will add value to the team. He will also help greatly considering his experience in PSL,” said Shariwa.

“We have now entered our third week of preparations. We are working very hard as a team and we haven’t signed any players, but still assessing some of the players we have on trials.

“When we announced that we want players for trials, the turn up was been so amazing. We have a lot of youngsters coming for trials and we are geared up this season and we will be unstoppable,” he said.

Shariwa pointed out on a myriad of challenges which he believed cost his team last season and among them financial problems.

“Last year was our first year playing Division One football and most of my players were coming from schools and lacked experience. The executive as well did not have Division One soccer experience,” he said.

He also pointed out their team struggled financially at the end of the season.

“Towards the end of the season, we struggled financially. Just like any other teams, we were also affected by the economy and I think it also contributed to our downfall as it was very hard to motivate players. This year is a new season altogether and there are changes including our financial status,” he said.