malvernmugadzikwa
Langton Nyakwenda
THEY were not even among the bookmakers’ favourites to win the Eastern Region Division One League title when the 2023 season started.
Most of the attention was on ambitious FC Wangu Mazodze who, apart from their interesting name, also boasted sound financial backing from a Zimbabwean doctor based in the United States.
Former Premier Soccer League sides Tenax and Buffaloes were also among the bookies’ favourites.
But much like the proverbial bolt from the blue, Bikita Minerals — who are owned by Sinomine Bikita Minerals Pvt Ltd, a lithium mining concern — have now emerged as the front-runners to clinch the sole Premier Soccer League ticket from the Eastern Region.
With 56 points and just two games left in the race, Bikita Minerals will clinch the championship title, and with it promotion, if they can hold their nerve and win their remaining two games.
That audacious bid begins this afternoon, when they host Midway at the Lithium Stadium in Bikita.
The Lithium Boys, as Bikita Minerals are fondly known in their hometown, could also claim the honours if the chasing pair of FC Wangu Mazodze and Tenax lose their matches. FC Wangu Mazodze are on 55 points and play rivals Masvingo United in a potentially explosive Masvingo derby at Mucheke Stadium, while Tenax (53 points) square off against Manica Diamonds U-19 at Mutare Showgrounds.
From a small team that used to command a paltry crowd of less than 100 people, Bikita Minerals are now attracting hordes of supporters from areas such as Zaka, Gutu and Masvingo.
While Bikita’s major claim to fame was the fact that it is home to the largest lithium mine in Zimbabwe, the modest district, which is located some 80km east of Masvingo town, could soon become home to a Premiership outfit.
“We want to work hard in the last two games. We have come a long way, so we can’t lose it now,” says Bikita coach Tongai Mugeji.
Few people might have heard about Mugeji but he is a vastly experienced gaffer. He has over a decade of experience coaching in the lower leagues, having also performed duty at Masvingo United, Renco Mine, Masvingo Pirates, Gutu FC and Great Zimbabwe University.
Mugeji, who took over Bikita during the Week Nine fixtures, dragged the team from ninth to pole position.
Former Nichrut attacking midfielder Kudakwashe Sibanda has been a revelation for the miners, with 10 goals to his name.
Winger Kundai Kwashi, who is a younger brother of CAPS United assistant coach Fungai Kwashi, is also starring for the Lithium Boys.
Tawanda Mulenga, Barnabas Mutuche and Robin Muchena are some of the key players driving the side.
Some of their players come from Masvingo, Zaka, Gutu and Pamushana High School. Bikita were formed in 2015 and played in Division Two until they gained promotion into the Eastern Region two years later.
The team’s annual budget was a modest US$25 000 and the executive had to source for extra funds through various income-generating projects.
But the team now enjoys financial support from Sinomine Bikita Minerals.
Eastern Region Division One fixtures:
FC Wangu Mazodze v Masvingo United (Mucheke), Manica Diamonds v Tenax (Mutare Showgrounds), Bikita Minerals FC v Midway (Lithium Stadium), FC Hunters v Buffaloes (Rudhaka)
Online Reporter