Makurumidze: New coach, old score to settle as Legacy host Green Fuel

Grand Legacy Football Club captain Tatenda Diego Makurumidze says the mood in the camp is very positive as the club prepares to host Green Fuel Football Club at St Paul’s Musami Stadium on Saturday in a match that could shape the title race.

It’s 4th vs 5th in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League.

Chimalizeni’s charges sit on 35 points from 19 games, just 5 points off top. Green Fuel are on 34 from 18 games, only one point separates the two sides.

The week 20 showdown comes at a time of change for Legacy.

Head coach Willard Katsande resigned recently, and after talks of a return broke down, the club appointed former Agama FC and Chegutu Pirates coach Paul Chimalizeni.

Makurumidze says the break and new voice have helped.
“The two-week break gave us a chance to regroup, recover, and work on a few things we needed to improve. The arrival of Coach Paul Chimalizeni has definitely brought fresh energy and new ideas into the team. The boys have responded well, training has been good, and everyone is motivated to impress,” the captain, who has 5 goals this season, told Fanzone.

On the Katsande drama, Makurumidze said the senior players have kept the group steady.

“Football is full of changes, whether it’s players or coaches. Our responsibility is to remain united, work hard, and prepare for every match. We’ve encouraged the younger players not to get distracted by outside noise.”

Legacy will be looking for revenge. Green Fuel beat them 3-0 in Chisumbanje earlier this season. But the form book favours the home side.

Legacy have lost just once at home and are on a six-match unbeaten run at Musami. Green Fuel arrive on a three-match winless streak that reportedly cost Arnold Jani his job.

“This is a massive game for us. When you look at the table, there’s only one point between the two teams, and we’re still within touching distance of the top. That makes every point even more valuable,” Makurumidze said.

“That 3-0 defeat is definitely something we haven’t forgotten. It hurt, and results like that naturally give you extra motivation to put things right. We’ve been strong at home, and our unbeaten run at St Paul’s Musami gives us confidence.”

He called on supporters to turn out in numbers for the crucial Musami Stadium showdown.

“Their energy and encouragement always give us an extra lift. We’ll do everything we can to reward them with a strong performance and, hopefully, all three points. A win would give us real momentum going into the rest of the campaign,” added Makurumidze.