Landmark achievement for Chegutu Pirates
By Innocent Muchochomi in Chegutu
Finally Chegutu has been delivered from the curse of failing to attain elite football.
And Emmanuel “Ras Day” Gutu, is the messiah.
Gutu a Caf A coaching license holder, born and bred in Chegutu, is now in football history books as the first coach who guided Chegutu Pirates to earn promotion to domestic Premiership for the first time
The euphoria that gripped Pfupajena Stadium on Saturday after Pir!tes mauled Herentals by a slim 2-1 margin courtesy of goals from Lenny Chibaya and Panashe Mushonga in the second half was enough to tell how starved of quality football the community has been subjected to.
It was happiness for achieving what has been elusive since 1963 when the team was formed. Back then it was called Hartley Hunters. The name was changed to Hartley Pirates late 1964 before being christened Chegutu Pirates in 1981 after Zimbabwe got independent in 1980.
It is because of all these years that they have been in playing in the same league that made Pirates to be labelled *Division One Landlords*
But on Saturday before a capacity passionate crowd the Landlord tag was wipped off by a determined side that utilised available inadequate resources hence all the reason to celebrate
It was happiness to shame pessimists as they were of the perception that Pirates were going to be dogged by last hurdle jinx
But the historic 2-1 win against Herentals College never came easily.
Pirates toiled for it up to the last whistle
After halftime, filtering in news that Mambas, also gunning for promotion, were leading Trojan 1-0 in Shamva, had extinguished hopes of earning domestic Premiership but a strikes from the penalty spot by Chibaya and Mushonga in the late stages of the game sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Even musician Sulumani Chimbetu and massively-built truck driver Brighton Mujuru brieflycombined on the dance floor and the later defied his frame as he showcased his dancing prowess
Chegutu Town Clerk Jacob Chikuruwo, Housing Director Shylet Dzivai, Mayor Rydes Mackera, MP Admore Chivero were all in ecstasy as they also paraded and received medals from NRSL together with the boys.
Stauch fan Leonard Kwezva Murefu who braggingly call their home ground *Super-jena* by virtue that the have never lost a home game in it this season said even Premier league boys will bite the dust when they visit Chegutu in 2024.
“Pfupajena is our fortress.Its our slaughter house. It’s our burial ground. Any team that visits must know that their best result will be a draw and this must be known by our 2024 season opponents .
Pirates financer Timothy Masvibe,a Zion Christian Church, congregant punched the air in celebration of this landmark achievement.
“When I joined Pirates I heard all sorts of negatives and how underachieving they were that most discouraged me from helping but I said if it’s God’s will, the most High will guide us to break the curse and let us achieve what has never been seen before.”
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