Story by Gay Matambo
THE Chisumbanje community is over the moon with Premier Soccer League football set to be played in their neighbourhood for the first time in history as Green Fuel hosts Sheasham at the newly refurbished Green Fuel Stadium this Saturday.
Chisumbanje will now host Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches after Green Fuel Stadium was given the green light to host topflight matches by the First Instance Board.
As a result, Green Fuel will play their first match at their home ground this weekend when they welcome Sheasham to Chisumbanje.
The development has excited the Chisumbanje community as football comes home.
“As Chisumbanje community members, we are grateful. We are going to be seeing teams like Highlanders, Caps United, and Dynamos teams which we used to watch playing on TV. We are now going to be able to watch them play live,” excitedly said a Chisumbanje community member.
Another said, “The community is going to benefit from this development in many ways. We never thought that this was going to be possible. Even our children who aspire to be footballers in future have a lot to learn from the matches which will be played here.”
Checheche community members who spoke to the ZBC News say football which has been brought into their backyard will spur economic growth in the area.
“We are happy that we will be able to watch PSL matches here in Chipinge for the first time. We used to travel to Mutare and Chiredzi for soccer. We will not be using a lot of money as travelling expenses,” said a local soccer fan.
Another said, “Many people could not go to watch soccer matches due to money issues but that is set to change now. Even businesses here are going to get a major boost because people coming to our area for soccer will want accommodation, they will want refreshments and a number of things.”
Green Fuel are confident playing at home with help them avoid relegation in their maiden season in the PSL.
“The only thing that is left is a few housekeeping issues, to water the flowers and to finish the branding that is ongoing on our touchline, but we are on course, we are well prepared, we are ready to receive visitors. Our sponsor, Green Fuel and everyone is excited. We are in the community for the community and every development that takes place in the company should benefit the community.
“So the fact that names and faces that they have seen on TV, they will finally see for themselves, and this will be a source of motivation for our young people,” said Green Fuel Football Club communications manager, Ms Merit Rumema.
This newly refurbished Green Fuel stadium accommodates 5 000 fans.
