Stability, teamwork, consistency drive Plumtree’s Mainline FC

AFTER seven years in the trenches of the Zifa Southern Region, one of the country’s second tier leagues, Plumtree based Mainline FC is finally reaping the rewards of stability, teamwork, hard work and consistency with polished performances if their position on the log standings is anything to go by.

Mainline was promoted into the Zifa Southern Region in 2018.
The team sits on third position in the 2024 season after nine matches with five wins, two draws and two defeats.

It might still be early days but Dingumuzi Stadium in Plumtree is one of the few grounds that attract sizeable crowds, proof that the border town football loving fans also believe that something special is brewing at Mainline FC.

“We are one of the few teams that is still coached by the same coaches since we gained promotion into Division One.

“We still have veteran coach, Paul Moyo as our technical director while Edwin Ncube, who is a headmaster at a local school joined us as a technical advisor. The three coaches are still Charlton Gumede, Siza Mguni and Pelling Ndebele,” explained club secretary general, Clistone Bazaya.

For the past seasons, the club has been putting emphasis on adequate preparations before the start of each season and this year was no different. Our club directors (Jonathan Ndlovu and Mkhulunyelwa Nkomo) have set a target for the team to gain promotion into the Premier Soccer League, so everyone from the coaches, players, staff members and administrators know what is expected of them,” said Bazaya.

Player welfare is not taken for granted and Bazaya explained how players are taken care of at the club.
“The welfare of our players is of paramount importance. Players who come from out of Plumtree are accommodated in a house rented by the club.

Their well-being in terms of food and general upkeep is also taken care of by the club. The team is paid winning bonuses, which they receive on time courtesy of the club directors. We also have partners such as Greens Supermarket who help the club with fuel for away matches,”

Without the support of the supporters, the club would not have survived seven years in Division One, he said.

“The supporters are also a big part of the team as Dingumuzi Stadium is always full when we are playing at home and that support really goes a long way in motivating the players. The fans also pull their resources together to buy refreshments for the team during home matches and they also sponsor a Man-of-the-Match award, which comes with a token of appreciation in the form of money,” he added.

He also attributed the growth of the Mainline FC support base to the local radio station, Radio Bukalanga, which he says plays an important role in encouraging Plumtree residents to take ownership of the club by supporting the team.

“The radio station is really supportive by encouraging the people of Plumtree to support their local teams, which are Mainline FC in Division One and Plumtree Wanderers FC that plays in the Division Two league. Young players now dream of playing for these two teams because of the exposure that we get from the local radio station,” he said.

Results
Saturday:
Indlovu Iyanyathela 0-0 Adachi, Casmyn 2-1 Nkayi United, Bosso 90 1-2 Zim Saints, Ajax Hotspurs 2-0 Mosi Rovers, Bulawayo City 0-1 DRC United, Mainline 1-1 Zebra Revolution, Jordan FC 2-1 Talen Vision
Sunday:
Vic Falls City 0 – 3 ZPC Hwange