Tenax on the hunt again

Ray Bande Senior Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors goalkeepers’ coach Ndega Matsika, who took over as Eastern Region Division One outfit Tenax coach this season, has vowed to fight long and hard for Premiership promotion.

Before Matsika left for national duty in Acrra, Ghana, where the Mighty Warriors are fighting for a ticket to the All Africa Games, the unassuming former Buffaloes shotstopper this week told this newspaper that his aim is to take the correctional services side to the Promised Land.

He reckons that it will not be an easy task to accomplish, but if the mood in their camp during the preseason preparations is anything to go by, they are equal to the task.

“I think it is every coach’s dream to achieve big things, and I am no exception.

“I want to help the club achieve its goals and we all know that one of those goals is to play in the top flight league.

“I believe Tenax have come of age because they have spent some time in the Eastern Region Division One, but they can now gun for top honours.

“Given the morale that was in camp during the ongoing preseason preparations, I have no doubt that we make it. So far so good and I really don’t have any complaints,’’ said Matsika.

Premiership debutants Flame Lily completed the capture of highly rated Tenax FC playmaker Farai Mugumwa on a three-year contract and naturally the young player’s move dealt a heavy blow to the team’s Premiership promotion aspirations.

Mugumwa has been in top form since his early days in the Eastern Region Division One and he was the crowd’s favourite whenever Tenax was in action at Sakubva but somehow his talismanic displays have been eluding the eyes of Premiership scouts.

The 25-year-old Mugumwa joined Chauya Chikara, as Tenax are known, four seasons ago from Sicho Masachi’s La Sakubva.

Last season he scored a total of 15 goals and was the club’s top goal scorer.

But Matsika maintained a brave face, saying the talented youngster will be missed but that would not deter the team from making apt replacements.

“I think he is a good player whose talents have been crying for a better platform. We are happy for him and wish him well.

“However, I believe we have enough depth in the squad to come up with a competitive outfit that will see us through,” he added.

The former Buffaloes and Black Rhinos goalkeeper will be in charge of Tenax during the 2015 Eastern Region Division One season.