Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda in GWERU
THE number 30 signifies a plethora of things, especially in the Bible.
Among other things, the number denotes dedication and the start of a new phase.
Indeed, yesterday was a day of firsts and a day of transformation for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Scottland were crowned the 30th Premiership champions during a colourful ceremony at Ascot, with the Mabvuku side sealing a memorable season with a 2-1 win over hosts TelOne, courtesy of a goal each by Tymon Machope and teenager Tadiwa Chakuchichi.
TelOne pulled one back in the second half through Tawanda Macheke, who finished the season with eight goals plus 10 assists.
Machope opened the scores in the 36th minute to take his season’s tally to 16 goals.
His tally was one goal shy of 2025 Golden Boot winner Washington Navaya of TelOne and this also means for the 15th year, no player has managed to surpass or equal the 22-goal mark achieved by late former Gunners striker Norman Maroto in 2010.
That could not stop Machope from celebrating a second Premiership championship medal in as many years, having won his maiden title with Simba Bhora in 2024.
Tonderai Ndiraya’s men become the first team in the Premiership era to win the title in a debut season.
The heavens also opened, but that did not dampen the party mood at Ascot.
It was a day that was made more special by the presence of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa at the match venue.
Both Delta Beverages, through their Castle brand and the PSL, unveiled a new trophy, and Scottland will become the first side to have their name etched on it.
There were wild scenes at Ascot when the referee blew the final whistle.
Zim dancehall star Enzo Ishal’s popular song “Dzichava Nhoroondo” belted from the PA system as Scottland players and their coach Ndiraya were presented with championship medals.
Ndiraya, who has now back-to-back league titles, after achieving the same feat with Simba Bhora last season, was hoisted by his players, in emotional and joyous scenes.
The Scottland gaffer was Kalisto Pasuwa’s assistant when Dynamos were crowned 2012 Castle Lager PSL champions at Ascot.
But yesterday was his moment of crowning in the Midlands capital.
“I am happy and I want to pay tribute to the boys who played their hearts out throughout the season,” said a jubilant Ndiraya.
Although no club from Gweru has ever won the Premiership title, the Midlands capital has hosted a couple of coronation ceremonies.
Ascot also hosted the coronation of CAPS United and FC Platinum in 2016 and 2017.
“Tribute to club’s leadership for the enabling environment. The boys also deserve to party; they worked hard,” added Ndiraya.
Scottland defender Kevin Moyo played his 34th league game yesterday.
He did not miss a single minute for Mabviravira.
“I am very proud of myself,” said Moyo, one of the players being tipped for the Soccer Star of the Year, whose selection will be conducted on Tuesday morning.
Moyo now has three league championship medals, having won two with FC Platinum.
“This one with Scottland is special because it’s the team’s first season in the top-flight,” he said. “The other good thing is that I have won cups with several clubs.”
Moyo has also won the Chibuku Super Cup with FC Platinum, Bulawayo Chiefs and Dynamos.
TelOne striker Navaya failed to reach the 20-goal mark, let alone eclipse Maroto’s tally, but he was still satisfied with his season.
He succeeds Lynoth Chikuhwa as the Golden Boot winner.
“I worked hard for this, and I feel proud to be the Golden Boot winner,” said Navaya.
The coronation was attended by the who is who of local football, including ZIFA board member Brighton Ushendibaba, PSL chairman Isaiah Mpfurutsa, league governors Kenneth Mhlope and Oscar Nduwure and Women’s Soccer League chairperson Chido Chizondo.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands Owen Ncube also attended the coronation ceremony.
