Zifa Eastern region praised

In a wide ranging interview, Zifa Eastern region administrator Tedious Machawaira said the footballing region had produced the highest number of players who plied their trade in and outside Zimbabwe in a clear demonstration of supremacy in terms of talent.
“There is no other region that has produced as many players who play in the Premier Soccer League teams and outside the country than our region.

“We have not only produced a  high number of players but we have                    the best crop of players that hailed               from this side of soccer region,” said Machawaira.
The veteran soccer administrator said the secret behind producing good players was that the region inculcated discipline into its players.
“Our main secret behind producing quality players is there is high level of discipline in this region especially in Division One.

“We strictly follow and apply soccer rules without any compromise and that has paid dividends.
“We have the least number of matches that are abandoned because of player revolt or for whatever reason. Any club that causes the abandonment of a match would learn the hard way that we impose stiff penalties on soccer teams that bring the game into disrepute.

“Teams that play unregistered or ineligible players pay through their nose.
“We fine them $300 and have their points docked. In actual fact it is rare in this region to have such a scenario because we emphasise on such offences and every club knows the danger of flouting soccer rules,” he said.

He said the Eastern Region was the best run soccer region in terms of player discipline and administration.
“We have a good record at Zifa because of the way we run our league.

“There is no bad history where clubs cause chaos and the success of our players is there for anyone to see.
“We have produced the likes of Harlington Shereni and Ovidy Karuru     who now ply their trade in France, Zvenyika Makonese, now with Shabanie but has been in South Africa, the late Francis Shonhayi just to name a few notable figures.

“All these players came from Division One teams in Masvingo which is under Eastern Region.
“Karuru cut his teeth with Masvingo United, Shereni and Makonese played for Hippo Valley in Chredzi, and Shonhayi was at Gaths Mine in   Mashava. All these teams are in this region,” he said.