By Flata Kavinga
ZIFA Central Region Division 1 side Grain Tigers Football Club says it is targeting promotion into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) after reinforcing its squad and securing financial backing ahead of the new season.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the club’s kit unveiling ceremony in Kwekwe, executive chairman Quiet Shangai said the club is aiming to win the Division One championship this year as part of its long-term plan to reach the top flight.
“Our objective is to have a competitive team that can get promoted into the Premier League,” said Shangai. “Last year we finished sixth in the Central Region Division One League, but we are hopeful of improving and getting promotion this season.”
Grain Tigers, which was revived last year, has undertaken a recruitment drive to strengthen the squad, including holding player trials in Harare.
“We conducted trials about a month ago and managed to assemble a bigger and stronger team,” Shangai said. “We have also brought in a new coach who was previously with Arenel before and is CAF licensed.”
He added that the club has also attracted players from outside the country and within the domestic league to boost its chances.
“We have a midfielder who has joined us from Botswana and another player from Kwekwe United. These additions, together with the squad we had last year, give us confidence that we can finish strongly,” he said.
Shangai said the club’s ambitions are backed by improved financial support, with a budget of about US$200,000 already secured, alongside additional sponsorship commitments.
“In terms of sponsorship and financial capacity, we are ready. We have a budget supported by our partners and more sponsors are coming on board,” he said.
He reiterated that the club’s immediate focus is on competing strongly in Division 1, while working towards promotion to the PSL by 2027.
“Our main goal now is to perform well this season and ultimately gain promotion,” said Shangai.
Grain Tigers will compete in the ZIFA Central Region Division One League this season as they seek to secure a place in Zimbabwe’s top-flight league.
