Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUST two years ago, GreenFuel made history when they hosted their first-ever Premier Soccer League match in Chisumbanje, the first time that top-flight football was witnessed in Chipinge District.
Collins Dhuwa scored the club’s first ever PSL goal in Chisumbanje as GreenFuel edged Sheasham on September 9, 2023.
Boyz Dze Nharo are now just four matches away from clocking 100 Premier Soccer League games.
They play their 97th PSL match on Saturday when they host Chicken Inn at the GreenFuel Arena.
But things are not so green in Chisumbanje.
It’s literally hot at the club, as they stare at the grim possibility of relegation, just three years after becoming the first team from Chipinge District to earn promotion into the elite league.
GreenFuel have slumped to second from bottom, with no win in their last five matches and have to win at all costs when they face the Gamecocks on Saturday.
With just six games left before the conclusion of the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign, the relegation dogfight is in full throttle.
Interestingly, only four points separate Highlanders who are ninth on the log table and Dynamos who are in 16th position.
DeMbare are third from bottom with 29 points, one ahead of GreenFuel, whose coach Rodwell Dhlakama remains confident his side will survive the chop.
Dhlakama returned to GreenFuel in June and has so far overseen eight league matches.
He has two wins, two draws and four losses.
His win rate since rejoining Boyz Dze Nharo is a paltry 25 percent but Dhlakama, a veteran of many battles against the chop, remains upbeat about his team’s chances.
“Well, I believe that resilience, determination, and the spirit of working together will be key in helping us navigate this challenging situation.
“We’ve always thrived on adversity, and nothing has changed in that regard,” Dhlakama told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
GreenFuel will now have to turn to experienced players like Rodwell Chinyengetere and Ronald Chitiyo as they seek to avoid what could be a major reversal of the gains made in the last three years.
While Yadah, Dynamos, GreenFuel and Kwekwe make up the bottom four, a number of teams above the drop zone like Bikita Minerals, CAPS United, Triangle United, Manica Diamonds and Chicken Inn are still involved in the relegation battle.
“We’re aware that there’s competition and many teams are in a similar position.
“However, I think what sets us apart is our commitment to each other and to our goals,” added Dhlakama.
The former Ngezi Platinum Stars and Hwange coach admits his team will not have the same luxury as bottom-placed Kwekwe United, who are now playing under less pressure.
With just 10 points from 28 matches, Kwekwe United were the first team to be relegated in the 2025 season.
“While it’s true that several teams are facing similar challenges, I think we can all agree that Kwekwe United seem to be at a different stage, where they’re playing for pride rather than survival.
“As for us, our focus remains on taking it one game at a time, working tirelessly, and believing in our abilities.
“We understand that the road ahead won’t be easy, but we’re determined to give it our all and see where that takes us.
“We’ll continue to work together as a team, support each other, and strive to do better with each passing day. Ultimately, our goal is to stay positive, stay focused, and stay committed to our vision,” said Dhlakama. GreenFuel have played Chicken Inn five times in the league since their promotion and have one win, which was achieved at Luveve early this year.
