We Will Not Be Pushovers! Masina

By Martin Muleya

Mutare’s premiership side Tenax Football Club has vowed that they will not be pushovers in the top flight league of the country, when the league resumes next weekend.

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service bankrolled team snatched the sole premiership ticket in the Eastern Division league in 2019, but failed to participate last year when Covid 19 pandemic took its toll in the country, prompting the Government of Zimbabwe to suspend all sports activities in the country.

Tenax chairman Stephanie Masina has hinted that while his team will be newcomers in the top flight league, but their presence is not just to add numbers but to have their presence felt.

Speaking during the unveiling of Chauya Chikara players as the team is affectionately known in football circles, Masina noted that his team had had a dance in the less fashionable Division One league for close to a decade, finishing fourth.

“Tenax FC came a very long way as it sought to appear to domestic football arena. The club has been playing to Division One league for ten years and for all these years we would finish on the top four.

“It was in 2019 when Tenax made a major breakthrough, as we finished on top marking our maiden appearance in the domestic league of the country.

“We shall live no stone unturned as we fight for honours at our ceremonial home of football,Sakubva stadium. We managed to secure thirty players and best technical team who will prove their worth on the field of play,” said the chairman.

Masina did not mince his words when he undertook to assure stakeholders and Tenax FC supporters that the club was in ‘good hands’ and on right path towards success in the Premier league as they are not there to make numbers but defying all odds.

The player unveiling ceremony of Tenax FC coincided with Delta Beverages announcement of its renewed commitment sponsorship package on the beautiful game.

“Delta Beverages is excited to announce the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League sponsorship package for the 2021-2023 period. Our objective is to capture all football fans enticing them to watch live games through promotional activities, support of teams and building a strong acceptability of the Castle Lager and Chibuku Super brands in the market.

Castle lager Premiership league will be sponsored at the tune of US$ 700-000
Castle Challenge Cup US$ 55-000
Chibuku Super Cup US$375-000,” read the Delta Press Statement.

Speaking at the same occasion, Guest of Honor Misheck Mugadza paid tribute to the players, executive and supporters for the unwavering support rendered to the team, as the team is now in the top flight league.

The renowned businessman cum lawyer also weighed in Masina sentiments that that team was not there to add numbers not survive relegation.

“I have questioned the executive if they will survive the big boys in the league and the response I got is they are not there to add numbers nor survive relegation, but to take the most prestigious cup in the country. It was explained to me that Tenax FC players have worked tirelessly to achieve this dream (of Premiership promotion) and living this dream is the team’s ultimate goal,” said Mugadza.

Mugadza reiterated that while the team endeavors to stay afloat in the league they are confident with the players they have in their camp as no big names were made to put ink on paper for the team. They are purely starting on a purely home grown solution.

Stephanie Masina in his eight member executive will be deputised by Ernest Havari, Secretary General Wilbert Mukasi, Vice Secretary David Marufu, Team Spokesperson Philemon Mushekwa and Committee members consisting of Maxwell Randasha (transport), Gift ‘Transporter’ Mapinda, and Lloyd Chinava (technical).

Players that have already put ink on paper at the Chauya Chikara camp include Jambo Joseph, Mapara Takunda, Musiteyi Theophilus, Dumbura Malvern, Makumi Phillip, Kashiri Prince, Ngosi Simbarashe, Mugumwa Farai, Munemero Simon, Mukudo Virimayi, Chakuamba Lancelot, Navella Hillary, Mbauya Clarence, Vint Fadzanai, Mutasa Panashe, Gavara Edson, Musimwa Carlos, Vareta Carlos, Zindove Ronald, Kamwaya Artwell, Nyakabawo Arnold, Shonga Misheck, Muringani Gerald, Manzunzu Liberty, Mwadini Munyaradzi, Taringa Tafara, Sakasasu Angelo and Chiwandire Donald