malvernmugadzikwa
Langton Nyakwenda
IT is almost a year now since Green Fuel made history by taking Premier Soccer League football to Chisumbanje in Chipinge district.
“Boyz dzeNharo” made their Premiership debut in March 2023, but they had to wait until September to play their home games at an upgraded Green Fuel Arena in Chisumbanje.
Before adopting their real home, Green Fuel played their home games at Gibbo Stadium in Triangle.
They struggled for the better part of their debut Premiership season, before escaping relegation in the last weeks.
Green Fuel began life in the Premiership under Lloyd Mutasa, who was replaced by Rodwell Dhlakama after a few games, before Saul Chaminuka took over the reins in May this year.
Apart from bringing top-flight football to the doorstep of people in Chipinge, Green Fuel have also provided a springboard for scores of footballers. And Chaminuka is convinced the project will continue to grow.
“We have done a lot of conscientising, making sure the players see the future and what it means,” said Chaminuka.
When he joined Green Fuel from Bikita Minerals, he was the Premiership’s most sought-after coach.
And there is so much belief the veteran gaffer can transform the Chisumbanje-based side into a force to reckon with.
“We are building a team that can make Zimbabwe proud. Yes, we are just starting, but we are looking beyond the horizon. Green Fuel will soon be a force to reckon with,” he said.
The former Warriors assistant coach shifts his focus to the Chibuku Super Cup journey, which begins with a first round date against 2019 champions Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
“We have been working and we still continue to work. We are a team that is looking to get good results. We have done a lot of work since our arrival, and I want to believe that the boys are starting to respond,” said Chaminuka.
Green Fuel bowed out of the 2023 Chibuku Super Cup in the first round, after a 0-1 defeat to Chicken Inn. They finished 10th on the log, just five points above the drop zone.
And Chaminuka wants to improve that record.
“The players are aware we are driving a very big project, a project that can see thousands and thousands of other players coming here in future. I am looking at a project that will not stop,” he said.
Green Fuel are home to some exciting prospects, including Young Warriors striker Washington Mapuwa, Nelson Mwasanga, Naison Takawira, former Harare City midfielder Learnmore Muyambo and goalkeeper Tendai Chirara.
Winger Tinotenda Meke used the Green Fuel springboard to earn a move to CAF Champions League contestants, Ngezi Platinum Stars, during the July transfer window.
Striker Anelka Chivandire moved to Manica Diamonds during the same window.
Chaminuka feels his team can still go far in the Chibuku Super Cup.
“It’s a tournament every team in the Premier Soccer League wants to win,” he reckons. “There is no tournament in our country that is so motivating to play in than Chibuku.
“In four matches, one would have won prize money that almost equals playing from March to December in the league. What a tournament!”
Winners of the Chibuku Super Cup will not only earn the right to represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup, but will pocket US$75 000. With the league title now out of sight for Green Fuel, who are 11th on the log after 23 games, the Chibuku Super Cup is their only hope of silverware.
“We have a chance in the Chibuku Super Cup.
“We have prepared well and very much fancy our chances when we take on Highlanders on Sunday (today),” he said.
“The good thing about cup matches is that the best team on the day progresses to the next round irrespective of whether you are home or away.
“We will take the game to the hosts, who are playing at home and have no excuses for failing to deliver, hence the pressure that l see them failing to handle.”
He paid tribute to Green Fuel’s executive, led by chairperson Fredson Moyo.
“They are people who understand football and have a clear vision of where we want to take this project,” he said.
Online Reporter