Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Augustine Hwata
16 May 2008
Harare — AFTER quietly slipping away from the limelight in the Premiership, former Shabanie Mine and Black Rhinos midfielder Max Ruza has found a new home at ambitious Northern Region Pacific Division One side Savanna Eagles.
Ruza, who had an unforgettable spell blighted by injuries at CAPS United last year, is having the dual role of being a player and coach at the same time.
The club -- which came into the Zifa Northern Region League after acquiring the franchise for Lika Jets from Lizzie Kamba -- have also acquired Edward Yongwe and Tafadzwa Mombeshora from Motor Action and CAPS United.
Savanna FC chairman Tobias Chodeva is dreaming of a fairy-tale run to the top-flight league with Ruza having an influential role.
"As a team, we believe we should be in the Division One just for this year only.
"Next year, we should be playing in the PSL and that means we will be bringing the Premiership to Kadoma.
"Since Eiffel Flats were relegated in 2005, there has not been Premiership action at Rimuka and we as Savanna Eagles are determined to cover that gap," said Chodeva.
He believes he has managed to put in a
pool of players who have what it takes to finish top of the log at the expense of favourites like Mwana Africa, Black Rhinos and Douglas Warriors.
"We are certain to achieve our goal.
"At the moment we have a balanced team that has Max Ruza as the player/coach and we have also recruited Tafadzwa Mombeshora.
"There is also Edward Yongwe whom we took from Motor Action. These three are the only big names we have but we have a lot of youngsters who were in the Division One and Two Leagues clubs in Kadoma," he said.
The Eagles are six points behind pacesetters Rhinos.
"We are not far behind at all. I can say we have started well for a newly assembled side and in the next four games, we should be making our way up.
"Our handicap at the moment is in the technical department where we have a caretaker coach in Maxason Kalonga being assisted by Ruza.
"Ruza can still contribute from the
field of play and we need another coach soon," he said.
Savanna host Mwana Africa on Sunday in
what could be their biggest test since their formation.
Mwana Africa and Douglas Warriors drew 3-3 on Wednesday at Trojan, which helped Rhinos to increase their lead at the top to four points.
Diminutive winger Gift Karikumba and midfielder Shepherd Nkhata struck two second half goals as the army side beat Felfar Stars 2-1 at One Commando yesterday to take their tally to 24 points.
Mwana Africa are second on 20 points while Douglas Warriors are a point behind.
In the Eastern Region, Feruka take on Highway in a Mutare derby at Sakubva tomorrow.
Fixtures:
Northern Region
Tomorrow: Grain Tigers v Zimasco (GMB Aspindale), Kurai v Black Mambas (Chinhoyi), Zimphos v Flame Lily (Zimphos), Felfar v Douglas Warriors (TBA), ZINWA v Tsungubvi (Ngoni), Lulu Rovers v Aces Youth Academy (Pfupajena),
Sunday: Turnall v Dorking (UZ 1pm), Haka v SIRDC (Ngoni), Quick 'n' Easy v Black Rhinos (DZ), Savanna Eagles v Mwana Africa (Rimuka)
Eastern Region
Tomorrow: Zimbabwe Swallows v Eagles FC (Manyame), Feruka v Highway (Sakubva), Grain Masters v Mwenezana (Vengere 1pm), Mutare Farm Supply v GMB Marondera (Sakubva 1pm), Gaths Mine v United Lions (Gaths Mine), Mkwasine v Devichem (Mkwasine)
Sunday: Triangle v Buffaloes (Gibbo), FC Victoria v Air Zimbabwe Jets (Mucheke)
Southern Region
Tomorrow: MPC v Chrome Stars (Ascot), Turnall v ZPC Hwange (Luveve), Railstars v Kujatana (White City), Zimalloys v Silo United (Zimall)
Sunday: Hwange v Shabanie (Hwange), Board Strikers v Zimbabwe Saints (Dulidbadzimu), Old Nick Mine v Quelaton (Old Nick Mine), Eagles v Shangani (Gokwe), Forbes and Thompson v Ziscosteel (Bvumbachikwe), Mimosa v Sao Paulo (Mimosa)
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