Chasura begins new era with a bang, targets top 8 escape from relegation.

Bottom placed MCM Northern Region Soccer League side Marere FC have rolled the dice in the race for survival, appointing tactician Justice Mugota Chasura as their new head coach to replace Binion Muhlangeni who parted ways with the club last week.

The appointment came at a critical time for the struggling side. With the MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League at the halfway mark, Marere are rooted to the bottom of the log in 22nd place with just 15 points from 20 games. 3 wins, 6 draws, 11 losses and a goal difference of -10 tells the story of a season that has gone sideways.

But Chasura’s first 90 minutes in charge offered a glimpse of what could be coming. In the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Preliminary Round, Marere dismantled Gwayi FC 7-1 away from home to book a place in the round of 32 of the multi-million cup. It was the perfect introduction.

Speaking to Fanzone, the former Gloy Mine FC, St Paul’s Musami and FC Hunters coach admitted the task ahead is massive, but he is not shying away from it.

“It is going to be a difficult task to get out of the murky waters of relegation,” Chasura said. “But I believe we will work hard and fight for a top eight finish.”

The gaffer will not be alone, an assistant coach is set to be appointed soon, while Stephen Chimusoro will serve as Goalkeeper’s Coach. Chasura’s first assignment in the league will be against fellow strugglers Shamva Mine FC, who sit 21st on 20 points.

It’s a six-pointer that could set the tone for Marere’s survival bid in the second half of the season. The new coach is banking on reinforcements and a mindset shift to turn things around.

“With reinforcements expected to be coming, better days are coming for Marere. That win away at Gwayi in the Cup game has given the boys belief and we want to carry that into the league,” he said.

The Northern Region table makes for tough reading for Marere fans. Black Rhinos FC lead the way on 38 points, with Harare City FC on 36 and Ngezi Stars U19 on 33.

The top 8 cutoff currently sits at 27 points held by FC Oden, Jumbo Giants, Karoi United and Cranborne Bullets. That’s 12 points to make up, but with over 20 games still to play, Chasura believes it’s possible.

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