Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
TONDERAI NDIRAYA was an assistant coach at Dynamos when the Harare giants were crowned 2012 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions at Ascot Stadium in Gweru. He returns to the same venue today, this time as head coach of Scottland, who will be officially crowned 2025 champions after a historic season that saw Mabviravira clinch the title in their debut top-flight campaign.
No Premier Soccer League team has ever achieved what Scottland have done this season. Black Rhinos managed a similar feat back in 1984, but that was in the old Super League era.
Rightfully, Scottland will write a new chapter in Zimbabwean football at Ascot, where they will be confirmed as the latest Premiership champions.
The Gweru venue has hosted several coronation ceremonies since the start of the 2010s. In 2012, Dynamos drew 1-1 against Hardbody in their final game of the season at Ascot, a result that was enough for the Harare giants to pip Highlanders to the title on goal difference.
As in 2011, the championship was decided on the final day. So dramatic was that finale that the Premier Soccer League enlisted the Air Force of Zimbabwe to fly the trophy into Ascot Stadium immediately after the final whistle.
In 2016, CAPS United were crowned champions at the same venue after edging Chapungu 1-0, courtesy of an early strike by Simba Nhivi. In drizzly conditions in the Midlands capital, Lloyd Chitembwe made history as the first person to win the league title with Makepekepe both as a player and as a coach. Chitembwe had been a key figure in the swashbuckling CAPS United side that lifted the 1996 title.
On November 25, 2017, a day after Midlands son Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as Zimbabwe’s President, FC Platinum — also from the province — were crowned champions at Ascot. Pure Platinum Play beat Chapungu 2-0 to become the first team from outside Harare and Bulawayo to win the top-flight championship since 1980. Before Independence, only St Paul’s Musami had managed that feat.
The Premier Soccer League coronation ceremony returns to Ascot this afternoon, where Scottland’s name will be added to the illustrious list of champions. Mabviravira wrapped up the title with two games to spare but had to wait until today for their crowning moment. Zifa Central Region board member Pithias Shoko says the people of Gweru are thrilled about the occasion.
“It’s a special day for the people of Gweru,” said Shoko. “Obviously the city will be abuzz; there will be excitement and downstream business benefits for all, including vendors. I am sure Gweru will come to a standstill. It’s something special for the city and the province at large.”
Premier Soccer League coronation ceremonies have been staged at various venues since 2010, when Motor Action were crowned at Motor Action Sports Club in Harare. Rufaro in Mbare hosted the 2011 ceremony when Dynamos won their first championship since 2007, before Gweru took its turn a year later with DeMbare clinching a second straight title under Kalisto Pasuwa.
Harare hosted the 2013 and 2014 ceremonies at Rufaro and the National Sports Stadium respectively, with Dynamos retaining their dominance. Chicken Inn won the title in 2015, and the trophy presentation was held at Lafarge in Harare.
Ascot hosted the event in 2016 and 2017 when CAPS United and FC Platinum were crowned champions. Pure Platinum Play won their second championship in 2018, and the ceremony was fittingly held at their home ground, Mandava, in Zvishavane.
The Zvishavane side went on to win the title in 2019 and 2022, with the 2019 ceremony at the National Sports Stadium and the 2022 event back at Mandava.
Ngezi Platinum Stars were crowned 2023 champions at Barbourfields in Bulawayo, before Simba Bhora had their moment at Nyamhunga in Kariba last year.
