Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
PREMIERSHIP debutants Agama had failed to register a win in their opening 11 matches when coach Godfrey Tamirepi was appointed.
The Mt Darwin side had four points out of a possible 33, which translated to a meagre 12 percent success rate when Tamirepi joined.
Yet, the former ZPC Kariba gaffer still decided to take up the offer, replacing Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe, who had also succeeded Mark Mathe.
Two games in charge, Tamirepi has managed to record a historic win for Agama.
They beat FC Hunters 1-0 at the Heart in Waterfalls on Saturday, their first-ever Premier Soccer League win.
Before that, the Flying Eagles had put on a gutsy performance, albeit in a 2-1 loss against defending champions Scottland at Wadzanayi
Tamirepi admits it was high-risk to take up the Agama job.
“Self-belief and the competitiveness in me drove me to take up the job. It’s high risk, but the upside can be huge.
“I enjoy working in difficult environments as it pushes me to think outside the box,” said Tamirepi.
Veteran striker Tinashe Balakasi was on target against FC Hunters.
Tamirepi has revived the combination between Balakasi and Grey Kufandada.
Pint-sized midfielder Ralph Nyamukura has been on top of his game in recent weeks.
A 50-50 partnership deal with Africa Minerals Ventures has also boosted the club financially, amid reports that the new funders are prepared to open the chequebook during the mid-season window.
That’s why there is renewed belief in Mt Darwin despite the team’s precarious position on the log.
“I hate being in the comfort zone.
“Relegation battles get massive media coverage, so one needs to be a psychologist, tactician, motivator, and even a politician at once to get things right.
“You need to simplify everything,” reckons Tamirepi.
Interestingly, he faces his former employers ZPC Kariba at Wadzanayi on Saturday.
Kauya Katuruturu are also not very far from the relegation zone.
“Relegation fights are mental and tactical. A win stops losing streaks and lifts the locker room’s spirit.
“Think of it this way, mid-table teams play for pride. Title-chasing teams play for trophies, but relegation teams play for survival, so every win is a lifeline,” said Tamirepi.
He appreciates the huge task that lies ahead.
After leaving Kariba, Tamirepi took up the assistant role at Greenfuel before taking a break.
“It was about recharging, resetting myself for the next assignment,” said Tamirepi.
