Pasuwa wants more time

readiness to grab the challenge in the new season when they take part in the Caf Champions League.
Pasuwa, who has been holding fort as caretaker coach since mid-August, said he was looking for a long-term engagement to help him build a formidable side that will compete at the highest level at home and in Africa.

DeMbare are still basking in the glory of winning the Castle Lager Premiership title at the weekend with a victory over Kiglon, which ended their three-year drought.
Pasuwa, who took over the reins from close friend Lloyd Mutasa, seems to have done more than enough to convince the executive to give him the job in a substantive role with a spirited fightback in the tough 2011 campaign.

Pasuwa said he would prefer a longer term to realise the best out of the potential that the team has to reassert themselves among the top clubs on the continent.
Dynamos and FC Platinum, who finished second in the race, will represent the country in the Caf Champions League tournament next year.
DeMbare would quickly want to erase memories of the disastrous campaign early this year when they failed to qualify for the mini-league stage for the first time.
With another tournament beckoning, Pasuwa indicated he is keen to beef up the squad to balance the team in all departments.

“If I get three years I think it’s good because it gives time to get the players that you want and then build a strong team from there.
“I would like to add a few more youngsters for next season so that they get experience playing at the top level. We may also need two or three new players for the Champions League campaign.
“We need to beef up the leftback, central defence and then get one or two strikers.
“Right now we have a problem if Cuthbert Malajila or Roderick Mutuma gets injured. So I am saying we need someone to depend on in that case,” said Pasuwa.

DeMbare are in the running for a memorable league and cup double as they hope for another silverware in the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
They face Motor Action in the final at the National Sports Stadium this Sunday.
The Glamour Boys were given a good run from newboys FC Platinum who fought gallantly up to the last day, only to lose the coveted crown on goal difference.

Dynamos and FC Platinum finished level on 58 points but DeMbare had a better goal difference.
Actually the Glamour Boys a lot to the crucial victory in Zvishavane last week when they beat FC Platinum 1-0 to seize control of the race from their hosts.
In the end, FC Platinum’s 3-1 victory over Shooting Stars could not account for much as they needed at least a 7-1 scoreline following Roderick Mutuma and Guthrie Zhokinyi’s goals for DeMbare against Kiglon.

Pasuwa paid tribute to his predecessor Mutasa for laying the foundation.
“We told the players that the problem was not the faces that had left. We told them it was still possible and that they just had to believe in themselves,” said Pasuwa.
“The executive also did a good job. They came in when needed and it was okay in terms of motivation and incentives. Money issues are very important to the players.”

DeMbare had waited for three years to break the jinx of finishing as the second best in the race.
They were the bridesmaids to Monomotapa, Gunners and Motor Action in the last three seasons and they broke into song and dance when an Airforce of Zimbabwe helicopter delivered the silverware to Rufaro on Sunday.

Dynamos’ midfielder Murape Murape said they were elated by the achievement, which came in a season of toil and hardships.
Murape is one of the most experienced players in the team and his experience was vital in inspiring the youthful players in the Dembare fold.

“This was a great feat after such a long time. I am excited and I can’t really express the feeling, but it feels so good.
“Above everything I would like to give praise to the Almighty because without his intervention we couldn’t have achieved this,” said Murape.
DeMbare had their worst start this season after losing to Kiglon and Motor Action and then drawing with Hwange at home.
Ironically, their first win came against FC Platinum at Rufaro in their fourth game. Twice the players boycotted training in protest over salaries and bonuses but Murape said they put all that behind to concentrate on the big challenge.

“It wasn’t a smooth season. We had our problems during the year and it appeared like it was going to be impossible for us to come back into serious contention.
“I would like to congratulate the players, the coaches, the executive and our supporters for a job well done. Their never-say-die-spirit and determination kept us going.

“The last game wasn’t easy because Kiglon played very well. We needed an early goal but they didn’t give us the space to play our normal game.
“But then Roderick’s goal was very crucial and it came at the right time.

“That goal gave us hope that we could get another in the second half and comfortably win the match,” said Murape.