Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MUTARE-BASED Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) outfit, Tenax CS FC remains firm in its quest for Castle Soccer Premier Soccer League promotion, despite trailing Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League leaders, Yadah FC by eight points with 10 matches remaining in the 2026 season.
Following last weekend’s fixtures, Yadah FC holds the top spot with 58 points. Tenax FC and GreenFuel FC follow in second and third place, respectively, tied on 50 points.
Despite the gap, Tenax retains a strong mathematical and realistic opportunity to overtake the leaders and secure the championship title.
Tenax head coach, Ginson Mutemera, stressed that maximising home advantage will be vital during the final stretch of the campaign.
“We still have six home matches and four away matches, so we need to take advantage of that. We just need to make sure that we do not drop any points playing at home going forward, and also ensure that we collect as many points as we can while playing away,” said Mutemera.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Mutemera acknowledged a difficult period following the mid-season break, but expressed confidence in their ability to recover lost ground.
“So far, it is a tight race for sure, with Yadah FC leading at the moment and holding the advantage. We are eight points behind with 10 matches to go. What that basically means is that there are still 30 points to play for. All teams from 48 points upwards still stand a chance. It is all about continuing to believe and working hard towards our target. We started our second half of the season poorly, and we are trying to rectify these mistakes and push for a strong finish,” added Mutemera.
Local support remains a crucial factor for the team’s promotion drive.
Veteran Sakubva football fan, Tendai ‘Sir Greene’ Greene, highlighted the financial constraints facing the squad compared to rival teams in the title race.
“Tenax FC can go all the way if we as Mutare rally behind them with financial support. They are not being rewarded handsomely because they do not have outside sponsorship or significant winning bonuses. Most teams in the race have financial incentives, winning bonuses, and higher salaries compared to Tenax players, who rely on a monthly salary,” said Greene.
Greene urged football supporters in the eastern border city to contribute directly to boost player morale.
Meanwhile, the broader title race continues to take shape across the region. Leaders, Yadah FC opened an eight-point advantage at the summit following a 3-1 road victory against FC Wangu Mazodze at Mucheke Stadium.
Conversely, fourth-placed, Africa Mineral Ventures saw their title hopes dented after being held to a 0-0 draw by Power FC at Gaths Mine Stadium. The result left Africa Mineral Ventures on 49 points, nine behind the leaders.
Fifth-placed, Deportivo La Murambinda moved to 47 points after securing a 2-0 home victory against Four Lions FC at Uhera Stadium, courtesy of a brace from Hillary Bakacheza, who scored in the 28th minute, and added a 52nd-minute penalty.
Grand Legacy FC, Renco Mine, and Deportivo La Murambinda all remain mathematical contenders in the division.
Upcoming League Fixtures:
Friday: Manica Diamonds U19 FC v Deportivo La Murambinda FC
Saturday: Renco Mine FC v Tenax CS FC; Mutare City Rovers FC v Buffaloes FC; Great Zimbabwe University FC v Destiny Stars FC; Four Lions FC v Power FC; Africa Mineral Ventures FC v Bikita Minerals FC
Sunday: Bikita Chida Athletic FC v GreenFuel FC; Grand Legacy FC v Yadah FC; Masvingo United FC v FC Wangu Mazodze FC.
