By Tatiana Mhararira
In a highly anticipated match Tenax FC, representing the correctional services will lock horns with Buffaloes FC backed by the army in a battle for crucial points in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) Division One on match day 10 at Chisamba grounds.
The two teams have a history of intense rivalry with Tenax FC recording a winning result in the previous season both at home and away games.
Buffaloes FC is currently positioned to challenge for the top spots and will aim to bounce back from past two loses and secure a vital win. Tenax FC aims to maintain and looks forward to maintain its unbeaten run in the previous 8 games.
Speaking to TellZim News, Tenax FC Vice Secretary General responsible for Media Liaison and Publicity David Marufu said they expected a tough match but expect a win.
“We are expecting a very tough encounter against our perennial rival in Mutare and this is a derby to us with fans setting eyes on this big match although statistics favour our side.
“Tenax has always been dominating these derby matches against Buffaloes and we are prepared to continue that dominance to defend our championship as we fight to retain Castle Lager Premier Soccer League to Mutare,”said Marufu.
Marufu said their motto and nickname gave them enough courage to face any opponent in the ERSL.
“Just as our nickname speaks for itself. We are the Lion (Chauya Chikara), our motto this season is Either We Win or We Win meaning we have told ourselves that nothing short of history will stop us from winning each game of the season. The motto and nickname serves as our source of motivation,” said Marufu.
Buffaloes team manager, Prosper Matizanadzo nicknamed Zhake told TellZim News that their previous matches did not go as planned but took the match against Tenax seriously.
“So far things have not gone according to our projections as we have dropped too many points in the matches that we had targeted to collect maximum points.
“In this match against Tenax we want to win. However we are treating this match cautiously as we last won against Tenax many years ago. They have been enjoying bragging rights ever since but with our new technical team headed by Kenny Kachara we will make it to the top,” said Matizanadzo.
Matizanadzo said they called upon their supporters for full support of the team during this match.
“We are calling upon our supporters to come in their numbers and witness the dawn of new era as we wish to turn tables against our bogey side Tenax in this latest battle of the Mutare uniformed forces,” said Matizanadzo.
Tenax FC is second placed on the ERSL log table with 24 points a point behind FC Hunters the log leaders with 25 points though Tenax FC has got a game in hand against Deportivo La Murambinda.
Buffaloes FC is on number 4 with 17 points, position it exchanged with Masvingo United which is now on number three with 17 points and a goal difference of 7.
