Online Reporter
This could be the day Scottland will rewrite history by becoming the first team in 41 years to win the Premier Soccer League title in their debut top-flight season, that is if they win today’s match.
The Mabvuku team need to win this afternoon’s match against relegated Kwekwe United at Ascot Stadium to be confirmed champions with two games to spare.
The task has been made that easy after second-placed Simba Bhora were held to a 1-1 draw by Highlanders at Wadzanayi yesterday.
And it’s all up to Tonderai Ndiraya and his boys to deliver a victory, against a Kwekwe United side that has been miserable throughout the term, and claim gold.
That will put them at par with Black Rhinos who were the first team to win the league crown in their maiden season post Independence in 1984.
But there is more to Scottland’s victory (if they manage to win it).
Tadious Manyepo is at Ascot Stadium and will provide live updates.
Stay tuned!
Ndiraya on the cusp of history
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya will become the first ever gaffer to win the league title in two successive seasons with different teams if his club manages to beat Kwekwe United at Ascot this afternoon.
The former Dynamos mentor led Simba Bhora to the league podium last season.
His profile has been getting a lot of traction and victory today will bookmark his status as one of the finest on land.
Ndiraya, ex-Ngezi Platinum pair’s nostalgic eagerness
Tonderai Ndiraya’s first ever top-flight success story was when he led then league debutants Ngezi Platinum Stars to the Chibuku Super Cup glory.
That was his first job as a Premiership coach.
Goalkeeper Nelson Chadya and striker Terrence Dzvukamanja were also making their top-flight bow.
The trio remembers the celebrations after which Dzvukamanja crossed the Limpopo to join Bidvest Wits in the South African league.
Chadya would inspire Ngezi Platinum to the league championship in 2023 while Ndiraya led Simba Bhora to the same last year.
But the trio will likely come together this afternoon and celebrate the way they did nine years ago, if Scottland beat Kwekwe United at Ascot to win the championship.
Scottland throws firepower
Ndiraya isn’t taking any chances. He has put together a formidable yet balanced First 11 for the occasion.
Experience and youthful determination in equal measure. Yes, this is the day. The big day.
Kwekwe United
Elton Nechiware, Andile Taruvinga, Proud Gorekore, Clive Mushori, Cedric Maruta, Orlando Zvavarevi, Simbarashe Masukutwa, Emmanuel Mutimbanyoka, Farai Mutatu
Scottland
Nelson Chadya, Kevin Moyo, Marvellous Chigumira, Peter Muduhwa, Mthokozisi Msebe, Kingsley Mureremba, Knowledge Musona, Nathan Mutasa, Khama Billiat, Tymon Machope, Ronald Pfumbidzai.
Kick Off
Referee Israel Nhevera gets us underway and it is Scottland that takes us in…
Scottland wants early goal
Scottland know what they want from this duel. A win. And they are throwing everything upfront.
But there is a bit of desperation in all the efforts. Machope has been close, twice, but no sharpness in his execution.
The search continues. Today is the day.
Machope comes close
That could have been the moment. Machope twisted his head down off a Pfumbidzai cross from the left.
How Kwekwe United goalie sprung up is stuff for quality.
What a header and what a save.
One thing is for certain. Scottland are on the offense and Kwekwe United are comfortable sitting back.
Still goalless inside 10 minutes
Musona almost scores from freekick
It was typical Knowledge Musona dipping freekick. One struck with both power and precision but you have to give it to Nechiware for his elasticity.
It’s actually him versus Scottland at this stage.
Hydration break
Temperatures in Gweru aren’t exactly punishing. But the atmosphere is so charged so much that Nhevera has given a hydration break.
All eyes are on this fixture. History is beckoning for Scottland. But the Mabvuku side is still a bundle of nerves. They are yet to score. Promise is abound though.
Scottland scores
Khama Billiat!
Scottland on their way
The goal was always coming. Scottland have been utterly dominant, possession and territory. A flick on by Machope saw Billiat lobbying over the ‘keeper. It wasn’t surprising. This is Khama Billiat and this is what he does.
History on its way. Ascot is literally exploding.
Scottland doubles the lead
Tymon Machope!
What a goal from Machope
Tymon Machope is a prolific scorer.
But rarely does he score prolific goals.
It was a well-worked run down the left. He beat two markers and unleashed a left-footed strike that went in via the underside of the crossbar.
The party could start earlier than anticipated. In Mabvuku, they know it’s coming home. Home in Chinamhora Street, John Tapedza, L Nyamare, Derere, Tingini, Chizhanje, Chaminuka, Chirimuta, Njiri, Nhire, Mabvuku Drive, Chongwe, Tende Dande….
Machope can dream of Golden Boot
The Golden Boot seems to be lost to TelOne’s Washington Navaya who has 17 goals to his name.
But on 14, Machope can fency his chances too.
He is now doing all the running, chasing every ball and taking every set play near the box. He knows he can score twice more and who knows?
It’s the league’s strongest team playing against the weakest. This is your chance to harvest goals, Machope, coach Ndiraya should have told him when he called him to the touchline a minute ago…
Scottland lead at halftime
Kwekwe United 0-2 Scottland.
The visitors are as good as champions-in-waiting. They knew they needed just a win to be confirmed champions. They have played to that script, Billiat and Machope have given them the advantage. A massive advantage. They go to the breather knowing the next 45 minutes will be key. But there isn’t much resistance from the hosts.
Scottland SG Fortune Bgwoni is confident Mabviravira is winning the game
Second half begins
We are into the last 45 minutes of this encounter.
Scottland have to manage this and see it out.
They will be kings of Zimbabwean football for 2025 if they manage to do so
Ndiraya introduces fresh legs
The vibe has died down. The first half was lively. But given what’s at stake, it was natural the tempo was going to go down.
It has and Ndiraya has introduced young Tadiwa Chakuchichi and Panashe Mutimbanyoka for Billiat and the injured Mureremba respectively.
Hoping to see the mojo injected back into the match.
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Musona drops into central midfield
Ndiraya has shifted his structure a bit. Knowledge Musona has dropped down to central midfield which was occupied by the injured Mureremba. So far, he has done well but the urgency in the match has generally slipped out.
The count-down to history has started.
Scottland extend lead
3-0 up!
A cool header from Pfumbidzai
The party can start. Pfumbidzai glanced a good header off a Musona freekick. Scottland have 20 minutes to hold on. But they are now cruising. A cool breeze under overcast conditions engulf Gweru. Are those telltale signs? Maybe.
But surely Scottland gonna be champions
Kwekwe United pull one back
Kwekwe United 1-3
Takudzwa Chimhowa the scorer
A silver lining for the home side
Chimhowa has been brilliant since coming on. And what a goal he has scored.
An absolute curler from outside the box that beat Chadya all systems out. We could be going for a nail biting finale. Kwekwe United look not ready to surrender. There is life in this fixture once again
Red Card Kwekwe United
Orlando Zvavarevi has been given his marching orders for dissent. If Kwekwe United will find a way back into the game, they will have to it the hard way
Scottland 4-1 up.
Chakuchichi the scorer
Scottland moments away
Scottland have secured this game and ultimately the championship.
No question. They have three goals advantage and a man up.
Chakuchichi, just 16 years of age taps in a Machope pass and that is the reason he was brought in for. We have a little more than three minutes to see Scottland managing it out.
Penalty Scottland and Machope to take it!
It’s 5-1 up as Machope completes his brace for the day
Scottland are champions of 2025!!!!
And the rains start!!!
