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Sports Reporter

PREMIERSHIP new boys Green Fuel have made it their top priority to win their opening match against Yadah this afternoon at the National Sports Stadium.

Gaffer Lloyd Mutasa believes winning the first game in the topflight league would give them the confidence they need as they begin their journey in the Castle Lager Premiership.

The midday kickoff is the first of the double-header at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon. It will be followed by the Zimbabwe National Army derby between Cranborne Bullets and Black Rhinos at 3pm.

Mutasa believes Yadah will test their preparedness for the marathon, especially after all the other promoted teams Simba Bhora, Sheasham and Hwange, failed to win on the opening day.

“We have made our intentions known and winning the first game will give us confidence in the championship race.

“The players are looking forward to the game and are in great shape. We have been scoring goals during the pre-season,” said Mutasa.

The Chisumbanje side has already said that they are in the league to write their own story, not to make up numbers.

“We have quite a number of players who have been in the Premiership before as well as young players. We have combined youth and experience. They are looking forward to the first game, which is our first real test,” said Mutasa.

Mutasa reckons that the match will be tough.

“Yadah have always been a tricky side. You can’t predict them. They have a good side full of youngsters. We have played against them in friendly matches and we know what they are capable of,” he said.

The coach overhauled the team that won the promotion ticket from ZIFA Eastern Region Division One after presenting 17 new signings for the topflight game.

They have added the likes of former Warriors defenders Honest Moyo and Eric Chapeta, Kith Mavhunga, Collins Dhuwa, David Bizabani and ex-Highlanders wingback Maclive Phiri.

The club also acquired the Legends Football Academy duo of wonder-kid striker Washington Mapuwa and defender Tashinga Pfende on loan.

The 18-year-old Mapuwa was on loan at Whawha last year and is one of the brightest young talents in Zimbabwean football.

Yadah coach Expense Chikutuku has also declared their readiness for the first league match. He said they have thoroughly prepared for the new season.

The unheralded former Dynamos juniors coach was appointed the coach of the club last month following the departure of Genesis Mangombe in the opposite direction. Mangombe is now an assistant coach at DeMbare.

Chitukutuku, a former junior coach for several teams including the defunct Black Aces, Dynamos and Motor Action will hinge his team on youthful players.

“Expect me to rejuvenate the Miracle Boys and to introduce new names coming from the development team into the Premier Soccer League as we have a young team,” said Chitukutu.

Yadah have retained the bulk of the team they had last season. The club lost midfielder Kuda Mangami, Alfred Manenji and Tanaka Shandirwa to the other PSL rivals.   

Fixtures

Today

Yadah v Green Fuel (National Sports Stadium, 12pm), Cranborne Bullets v Black Rhinos (National Sports Stadium, 3pm).