PSL newcomers game changers. . . veteran coach applauds  infrastructure development Rodwell Dhlakama

Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

EFFORTS made by newly promoted Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clubs –Sheasham, Greenfuel and Simba Bhora – to upgrade facilities that they will use as their home grounds have impressed seasoned football coach Rodwell Dhlakama.

The veteran coach, now in charge of Greenfuel after an unsuccessful spell at South Africa’s Black Leopard said infrastructure development is an indication of progressive steps for Zimbabwean football.

An impressed Dhlakama said he has been seeing some improvements in the local game post the Covid-19 period which posed a threat to the sport.

Castle Challenge Cup

“I don’t agree with the notion that our football is going down. I think there is massive improvement. All teams are competing. There are no easy games. If you look at where we are coming from, which is the Covid-19 era, a period that affected us as football halted for some time, we are seeing the improvement and progress.

“The sponsors for teams that are coming in like Sheasham, Simba Bhora and Green Fuel, the stadiums they are building for me are good progress for our game. If you look at some of our big teams, they don’t have those facilities so it’s progress for Zimbabwe football to have teams that are building their own facilities,” said Dhlakama.

The former Chapungu, Ngezi Platinum Stars and ZPC Kariba coach added that even if the teams are relegated, they have contributed a lasting legacy in terms of infrastructure development.

“Do you think these teams would want to get relegated? This is what used to be there back in the day where we had your Shabanie and Mhangura having their own stadiums. So, the work being done by the new teams is good for the development of football in the country,” he added.

Greenfuel have reportedly poured a staggering US$ 2 million into the renovation of their own Sports Arena in Chisumbanje which Dhlakama says is nearing completion.

Highlanders’ Washington Navaya (left) breaks away with the ball as Greenfuel’s Honest Moyo (right) and Raymond Uchena give chase during a Castle Premier Soccer League match played at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo. (Pic By Dennis Mudzamiri)

Boys  Dzenharo, as Greenfuel team are fondly referred to by their growing base in the Lowveld, want to make a huge mark on the local football scene.

Gweru-based Sheasham reportedly spent more that US$250 000 to renovate Bata Stadium.

Ambitious Simba Bhora, owned by mining tycoon Simba ‘Buju’ Ndoro are also renovating Wadzanai Stadium in the nickel rich town of Shamva. Wadzanai is being revamped to be a 10 000-seater facility. — @innocentskizoe

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