CHISUMBANJE-BASED Premier Soccer League side GreenFuel will be looking to build on their impressive debut season in the top-flight league after finishing in 10th place and crucially avoiding relegation.
After a troubled start to the season, The Ethanol Boys appeared destined for a quick return to the second tier league as they changed coaches twice inside the first 10 matches of the title race.
But it was the appointment of Rodwell Dhlakama in late April after short-lived stints by Lloyd Mutasa and Bekithemba Ndlovu that saw the things stabilise a little bit.
It was not helping the cause that the team was using Gibbo Stadium as their home while their GreenFuel Sports Arena was undergoing upgrading and things took a major upturn when they finally moved into their Chisumbanje home in the second half of the season.
However, club president Fredson Moyo remains proud of the team’s achievement after managing to survive relegation and believes its solid base for a great future.
“Regarding the team's performance in its first season in the Premier Soccer League, I am incredibly proud of our achievements. Avoiding relegation is no small feat, especially for a newly promoted team. It demonstrates the hard work, determination, and talent of our players, coaching staff, and everyone involved in the club,” he said.
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“We faced tough challenges and competing against established teams was not easy, but the team showed great resilience and performed admirably to secure our position in the league. Our target going into the debut season was primarily to establish ourselves as a competitive team in the league and to earn the respect of other clubs.
“As a newly promoted team, it is important to set realistic goals and gradually build a solid foundation. Our focus was on creating a cohesive unit, implementing an effective game plan, and ultimately achieving on-field success. The primary objective was to avoid relegation, and achieving that has laid a strong platform for future growth,” added Moyo.
In their season, GreenFuel managed to beat giants Dynamos in the first meeting between the two teams while they pulled off a share of the spoils with top teams such as Highlanders, Chicken Inn, CAPS United and FC Platinum.
The team amassed 43 points from the 34 matches they played and scored 27 goals against 34 conceded.
Moyo highlighted the club’s big dream going forward.
“The big dream for our club going forward is to become a dominant force within the league and achieve sustained success. We aim to consistently challenge for silverware and qualify for continental competitions. "Creating a strong infrastructure, enhancing youth development programs and fostering an attractive playing style are crucial aspects of our long-term vision," he said.
“Additionally, we aspire to build a passionate and loyal fan base that will support the club through thick and thin. Reinforcing the team for the upcoming season is definitely a priority. This might involve bringing in new players who possess the necessary skills, experience, and qualities that align with our playing style and team philosophy.
“A thorough assessment will be conducted, and strategic signings will be made to strengthen our squad and increase competitiveness,” he said.
Amid a stadia crisis in the country GreenFuel managed to renovate their homeground to the required PSL standards which was massive for the Chisumbanje community.
“Upgrading the GreenFuel Stadium and bringing top-flight football to Chisumbanje was of immense importance for our club. "It not only provides a homeground for our team, but also enhances our connection with the local community," Moyo said.
“Having matches in Chisumbanje allows us to engage with our fans directly, build a strong local support base, and provide accessible football action to the community. The upgraded stadium also signifies the club's commitment to progress and provides a platform for showcasing our potential to sponsors, potential investors, and the wider footballing community.”