Yadah seal PSL return, coach pays tribute to Magaya
Yadah FC are back in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after beating Masvingo United FC 2-1 in a Week 37 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League encounter played at The Heart Stadium yesterday.
The Miracle Boys made an instant return to the top-flight with a game to spare, taking their points tally to 79, two ahead of second-placed Deportivo La Murambinda, who beat Buffaloes FC 2-0 in Mutare on the same afternoon.
It means going into the last round of fixtures, Yadah have an unassailable lead, with La Murambinda on a bye.
The Miracle Boys raced to a two-nil half-time lead as Leroy Saungweme opened the scoring in the 38th minute before Gerald Bhero rammed in the second in the 42nd minute.
Yuna Yuna pulled one back late in the second half through Cedric Maruta on the hour mark as the game opened up, but the Miracle Boys held on to collect maximum points to complete a sensational return to the Premier Soccer League having been relegated last season.
Yadah players celebrate their second goal against Masvingo United. Picture by Fanzone
The full-time whistle brought wild scenes at Heart Stadium, with Premier Soccer League Chief Executive Officer Rodwell Thabe also amongst the spectators.
Speaking to Fanzone after the game, an elated Yadah FC gaffer Kudakwashe Masaraure said he had faith that he was going to win promotion back to the Premiership.
“I have always believed. From day one, I told the boys that this was our season to go back where we belong. I had faith in God and faith in this team,” said Masaraure.
Masaraure was pleased with his charges for their hard work and effort which saw them over the line.
“I’m so proud of these boys. They worked hard the whole season. They listened, they sacrificed, and today they have been rewarded,” he said.
“We lost the Premiership status, but we never lost our identity. We are the Miracle Boys for a reason. To come back at the first attempt, with a game to spare, shows the character in this dressing room.”
Masaraure also paid tribute to the club’s benefactor, Prophet Walter Magaya, and the Yadah family for standing by the team during a difficult period.
“To Prophet Magaya and the whole Yadah family, thank you for believing. When others wrote us off, you stood with us. This promotion is for you.”
Yadah will now travel to Green Fuel Arena on Saturday for the season-ending Game of the Year against Green Fuel FC – a match that will now be a coronation party for the champions.
“We will go to Chisumbanje to celebrate, but also to compete. We want to finish as champions in style,” added Masaraure.
For Masvingo United, the defeat leaves them to fight another day, while Deportivo La Murambinda will rue dropped points in the run-in that ultimately handed Yadah the title.
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