God, family and experience – Masaraure reveals secret behind Yadah’s dominance as PSL return beckons
Eleven games to go and the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League is entering the business end, but at the top Yadah are still setting the pace.
The Miracle Boys are eight points clear at the summit and are now firmly on course for a return to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, provided they maintain the gap and hold their nerve in the final stretch.
That lead was briefly trimmed to three points yesterday when Deportivo La Murambinda thumped Manica Diamonds U19 5-2 at Chisamba Stadium to move to 53 points and pile pressure on the leaders.
It was a reminder that in the Eastern Region, no lead is safe and every slip can be punished.
Yadah FC- picture by Fanzone
The Miracle Boys however still have the advantage and destiny in their own hands.
Next up for Yadah is a tricky test tomorrow away against sixth-placed Grand Legacy FC, a side that sits 12 points behind them but has proven to be a tough opponent at their homeground St Paul’s Musami.
It is the type of fixture that will test their promotion credentials, especially with the chasing pack now smelling blood after La Murambinda’s big Friday win.
Speaking to Fanzone ahead of that clash, Yadah head coach Masaraure opened up on what it has taken for his side to be where they are now.
He admitted that staying on top is the hardest part, and credited divine guidance for their consistency. “Yes we are eight points clear but we need to work hard because to go on top is easy than to maintain,” Masaraure said. “But I thank the God of Prophet W. Magaya for guiding us from game number one up to now because if you put God first everything will be fine.”
The former Shabanie Mine gaffer also revealed that the humility of his squad has been central to their dominance. Unlike many talented groups that lose focus, his players have bought into his philosophy completely. “I think it is because of the type of players I have, they are very humble so that they listen to my instructions and they respect me very much,” he said. “They treat me like a father and that is most important. There is love at Yadah, we are more like a family.”
And when asked about navigating the brutality and unpredictability of the Eastern Region, a league renowned for shocking results and grueling travel, Masaraure pointed to his vast experience in that trenches of that division.
“Yes the Eastern Region is brutal and unpredictable but me as a coach I think experience counts because I have been in that region for some time,” he said. “I was there with Buymore FC, Air Zimbabwe Jets, Windsor FC, Davison Chemicals and Yadah FC, so I think with that experience I don’t have to panic.”
For Yadah, the equation is now simple, eleven games, an eight-point cushion before La Murambinda’s Friday victory cut it to three, and a date with Grand Legacy tomorrow that could either restore their breathing space or throw the title race wide open.
If Masaraure’s blend of faith, family and experience continues to hold, the road back to the PSL might just be complete before the final whistle of the season.
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