Surprisingly, the Mudzi-based side was formed only in April this year and had to be accommodated into the second division to make up the numbers, after the withdrawal of one of the teams due to financial problems. Eastern Stars coach Desire Mbidzo said their aim now was to bring Premier Soccer League football to Mudzi, but revealed that he would not be making too many changes in the team as he wants to give the sons from the area the opportunity to continue playing football at a higher level.
“There is a lot of talent in Mudzi, some of whom are even national team material but what they lack is exposure. I think with the promotion of Eastern Stars, these players will be showcased at national level,” said Mbidzo, who comes from a successful football family that includes former national team players John, who played for Bush Bucks in South Africa, Farai, who is now based in Germany and Davis, who played for Black Aces.
Zifa Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Mashingaidze, said the promotion of Eastern Stars was a clear sign of the fruits of their development programme, adding that he hoped more and more teams from the rural areas would come to the party.