Mapoka defends Green Fuel move

Bruce Chikuni

GREEN FUEL forward, Claude Mapoka, says his gamble to quit Golden Eagles for the Ethanol Boys has paid off.

Green Fuel visit Grayham FC on Sunday, knowing that a draw will be enough for them to be crowned ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League champions.

It will earn them promotion to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

It would be Mutasa’s third title in the Eastern Region, having previously won it with Highway and Kiglon.

Mapoka joined Green Fuel during the mid-season break after scoring seven times for Golden Eagles.

He left the Eagles at a time when they were firmly in the championship race.

The team are now nine points off the mark and it’s clear that his departure affected their front line.

The 25-year-old has scored four goals for the Ethanol Boys.

He said they were going to leave no stone unturned to secure a top-flight league ticket this weekend.

“It really means a lot to us, and we are prepared.

“Everyone is geared up for the match,” said Mapoka.

“We are aware that we need just a point, but to us, it’s about scoring many goals and taking home maximum points.

“The mood in camp is buoyant, everyone is excited and waiting for the defining moment on Sunday.”

Mapoka conceded that it was a painful decision to leave Golden Eagles, but he has been vindicated.

“I think this is my best season.

“I can’t even explain how excited I am to win my first championship.

“This move has turned out to be a positive gamble.

“It was a bold decision to make, but the good thing is that we are getting promoted.

“So yes, it was a brilliant move,” he said.

Green Fuel are the only side yet to lose after 24 matchdays.

The club’s goalkeeper, Tadias Baye, is enjoying a 20-game clean-sheet fairy tale.

He has only conceded just five goals.

Green Fuels’ hitman, Ishmael Lawe, has bagged 11 goals, and is the league’s leading scorer.

Cleopas Kapupurika is also making huge strides in forcing his name back into the limelight.

The former Dynamos, Highlanders and FC Platinum playmaker, has struck the net nine times.