The coming in of Pacific Storm as the official sponsors of the Eastern Region Soccer League has revitalised with teams now competing for the promotion ticket as well as the prize money.
With Pacific Storm, player boycott and failure to fulfill fixtures is now a thing of the past.
And Masvingo United coach Tonganai Mugeji admits the coming in of sponsors has increased completion.
“It’s not a secret, the coming in of Pacific Storm has helped everyone in the league because it motivates players.
Yuna Yuna beat rivals Great Zimbabwe University 3-1 on Sunday to to take their tally to 51 points.
They now have the same number of points with Marondera-based FC Hunters who, however, remain on top on superior goal difference.
Despite catching up, coach Tonganai Mugeji has challenged his troops to remain grounded.
“I know it’s still game on, we still have a number of points to play for and my message to the players is to focus on what we have control over. Win our games and not focus on results elsewhere,” said Mugeji.
He is confident to end’s 14-year in the wilderness having relegated from the Premiership in 2011.
It has been years of trying but they now hope the coming in of sponsors can now motivate the players.
“It’s been 14 years since the team was relegated, that was 2011 and a number of coaches and stakeholders have been trying their best to ensure that we play in the Premier Soccer League once again.
“So this win has renewed hope within the community and the players as well, we have capitalised on Hunters’ slump and we now have the same number of points but they have a superior goal difference.
“But now with the coming in of sponsors like Pacific Storm, we hope this is going to motivate the players and aim to do better.
“We know we are carrying the hopes of the people of Masvingo. The turnout at today’s (Sunday) match tells everything.
“As a team we will try our best and I would like to thank the Masvingo United management and other stakeholders for the support they have given us in this race.”
Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi, who was in attendance at Sunday’s match, emphasised the importance of having Premiership football in different parts of the country.
“It’s crucial that we have top-flight football represented in various regions, as a Zimbabwean be it in Masvingo or Dotito deserves a chance to play or watch top-flight football.
“So it’s good to see Masvingo United at this stage, what we just want is fair play and allow the best team to win,” said Magwizi.
Magwizi also said it is now important for stakeholders to join hands in ensuring that stadiums around the country are upgraded to international standards.
“I know it’s a process, but now we need to start working on our infrastructure and ensure that we at least have stadiums that can host international matches around the country.
“We are proud of the work that is being done at Mucheke Stadium by the league sponsors Pacific Storm and other stakeholders.
“We still have a long way to go but at least we can watch some football at Mucheke,” said Magwizi.
With the season heating up and five games remaining, one thing is certain – Yuna Yuna have given the people of Masvingo a reason to dream again.
