AMV chairman clears air on Rusape franchise saga
The biggest off-field story that has been trending since Friday has just got clarity.
In a wide-ranging exclusive with Fanzone, Africa Mineral Ventures FC Chairman Godfrey Mufuranhewe provided the update supporters have been demanding: Agrum Investments has officially taken full ownership of Africa Mineral Ventures FC, and the club is staying in Rusape.
The move untangles a complex ownership web that had fans anxious.
Mufuranhewe confirmed that the club president of Africa Mineral Ventures and his business partners have acquired the Manica Diamonds Football Club Premier Soccer League franchise.
FIFA rules prohibit one entity owning two or more clubs in the same league structure.
To stay compliant, the former AMV president has handed over ownership of Africa Mineral Ventures FC to Agrum Investments, which was already the club’s sponsor.
“Agrum Investments is now wholly owning the AMV project,” Mufuranhewe said. “Let me demystify this for our fans — the club will remain in Rusape. Our leadership and executive remain the same. Nothing changes on that front.”
The reshuffle also impacts the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League’s development structure.
The Manica Diamonds U19 FC franchise has been acquired by the former AMV president and will remain the developmental and feeder side for Manica Diamonds FC in the PSL.
For AMV supporters, the message is simple: same badge, same town, bigger backing.
Mufuranhewe was emphatic that the sporting agenda does not shift. “The target to clinch the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League remains the same. We are not slowing down. If anything, Agrum’s full takeover gives us the resources to professionalize faster and fight harder.”
That aligns with new Club President Chief Katerere’s three-pillar vision announced on 17 April: community empowerment, turning Vengere Stadium into a modern fortress, and building a talent pipeline from Rusape’s streets to elite leagues.
All assets, playing staff contracts, and developmental programs have already been transitioned to Agrum Investments.
The new board has promised a technical department review and a new seasonal roadmap in the coming weeks, but stressed the club’s “identity and heritage” stays untouched.
Mufuranhewe ended with a direct call to the stands: “We need our 12th man. Fill up Vengere Stadium. Keep that valuable support coming. The boys feel it, and in this new chapter, we will need you more than ever.”
Africa Mineral Ventures FC sit on 9 points after five games, three off joint leaders Green Fuel and Yadah, following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Green Fuel FC.
