By Delicious Mathuthu
Mberengwa based side, Jame West Football Club, has stormed into Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) Division-1 after beating Midlands State University Zvishavane Campus at the Yellow Machine Ground to claim the 2024 Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Midlands Province Division 2A League title on Wednesday.
The Yellow Metal Boys, as Jame West Football Club (FC) is nicknamed, ended the season on 68 points from 26 games, with only two losses and two draws.
The Mberengwa boys maximised on points collection in the first half of the season, going for 10 games without dropping any.
Trailing was Shurugwi FC but fell a few points short, on 59 points with a game in hand at the time of the crowning.
Meberengwa teams also dominated the D2A league, with three teams in the top five.
Completing the top five are fellow Mberengwa outfit Mbesa FC on third position, Gweru Mkoba based side 13 Stars FC on fourth, and Great Dyke FC on fifth, also from Mberengwa.
Speaking to Kwedu News, the Yellow Metal Boys Coach, Ashel Gutu, who will be a debutant in the CRSL D1, said the team fears nothing though they will face more seasoned and tougher outfits.
“We are going there to try our luck; we fear nothing, we are there to keep learning and to challenge them,” he said.
Gutu said the team’s journey into the country’s second tier division was not all rosy, especially Mberengwa derbies with the league’s top teams, but early discipline paid off.
“The journey was hard as you know football in D2 is man to man marking. It was tough especially when facing our mberengwa derbys.
“We had to face two Mberengwa derbies against Mbesa FC and Great Dyke FC, and as a coach I was expecting four points out of 12 and never wanted to lose a derby match.
“I was happy that we managed to secure five points, one win, two draws and a loss.”
He said he also focused on Gweru teams which he perceived as a threat, saying: “either I was playing home or away, what was needed were three points each game.”
He said Shurugwi FC who were breathing down their neck dropping points in the first half of the league and consistency from the Yellow Metal Boys, kept them ahead as the second half was a bit challenging.
“The race was easy in the first half because second position Shurugwi FC was dropping points.
“The second half was difficult because Shurugwi FC were now on their toes but we managed to maintain our gap.
“As a coach my job is in the field and I’m happy with my players as they listened to instructions,” he said.
Gutu said he believes success in D1 will be in proper training.
“It is my first time to be in it but in football, training is best.”
Jame West FC’s top goal scorers in their 2024 Midlands Province D2A League include Desire Huwani and Raynold Mate with nine (9) goals each, Ashley Moyo with eight (8), one Admire (nicknamed Go Beer) with (six) 6, Brandon Masunda with three (3), Tinomutenda Maphosa and Panashe Moyo both with two (2) goals, and the rest of goals scorers on a goal each.
Gutu also appreciated and thanked Jame West FC sponsors and fans who supported the team to its victory.
He however said the team will now need more sponsors as Division 1 competitions will be demanding resourcewise.
Jame West came from social soccer in Mberengwa and spent about two years preparing for Division 2 competitions, with the aim to gain promotion into the country’s second league straightaway, which they have done.
Mbesa FC, in a sportsmanship gesture, congratulated the newly promoted fellow Mberengwa side.
“Mbesa FC extends heartfelt congratulations on your outstanding achievement, winning the ZIFA Midlands Province Division 2A League is a testament to your team’s dedication, resilience, and excellence.
“Your triumph inspires us all. We salute your players, coaches, and entire management. Best wishes for continued success,” the team said the message.
