The usually quiet and laid back city of Mutare has been lit up following the promotion of Mutare City Rover from the Eastern Region’s Division One into the top flight Castle Lager Premier Soccer League or PSL next soccer season.
The team’s supporters celebrated the club’s 2-0 victory over Ruwa United yesterday, which resulted in its eventual promotion.
And thanks also to the faltering of Masvingo United who were held to a goalless draw by Mutoko Traders when they needed nothing short of an outright victory.
The eastern border city was set alight with wild celebrations from morning till evening as their supporters were in cloud nine celebrating the team’s promotion which ensures the city remains with a PSL club following the demotion of army side Buffaloes Footbal Club to Division One.
Mutare resident, teacher and Mutare city Rovers fan Webster Saruchera says he happy about the promotion of his favourite team.
“Yes. Magusha have done us proud we are happy over this what they have done is great, well done Magusha, we are very much thrilled by this.”
Another team supporter Tichaona Zhuwawo and Mutare resident says Mutare residents should rally behind the team for its continued stay in the top flight league.
“This is good for the Mutareans as we will have something to entertain us on weekends and also we need to keep supporting this team to avoid what happened to Buffaloes.”
Kevin Masingita, a resident of Sakubva in Mutare, who stays close to Sakubva Stadium where Mutare City Rovers would be using as home ground, adds that there is no better Christmas present than the promotion of the local teams popularly known as “Magusha”.
“It’s a blessing for the people of Mutare and we are thrilled by this as the going of Buffaloes had disappoint us so much.”
Regai Tsunga, a soccer analyst and Mutare resident, says there has been a relief as the team has eventually been promoted after three attempts. He says the relegation of Buffaloes demoralized some local football fans.
“Well naturally we are excited as residents of Mutare, the relegation of Buffaloes had let us down and now we are back to premiership through Rovers and naturally we are excited.”
The team’s organizing secretary Isdore Bingura promises fireworks, come the next soccer season.
“We are promising fantastic football in the 2016 season, though it has been a hard path and encountering so many hurdles, and to the Mutarean we are promising tik-taka football watch us next season.”
According to Mutare City Rovers coach Kennedy Kachara their promotion into top flight soccer is not a fluke.
“Come next season there is going to be good soccer and we are going to impress so much.”
One headache the team faces is of getting funding to ensure it fulfills its PSL commitments, given the dire financial situation the Mutare City council is facing.
Nonetheless, celebrations continue in Mutare to mark their entry into top flight football.
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Report on Mutare Rovers PSL Promotion Filed By Loidharm Moyo