Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT’S celebration time in the Amakhosi camp.
Farai “Slim” Gunda, head coach of Amakhosi Cricket Club 2, has hailed his side’s qualification for the 2025 National Premier League (NPL) as a landmark moment in the club’s history, and a testament to the team’s grit and growth.
Amakhosi 2 wrapped up the Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association (BMCA) First League in third place with 56 points, just two behind their sister team Amakhosi 1, and 37 behind runaway champions Queens Sports Club 1.
With Queens and Amakhosi 1 claiming Bulawayo’s automatic qualification slots, Amakhosi 2 were left with one path to the NPL, the playoffs. And they rose to the occasion.
They squared off against Matabeleland North champions Mosi Titans at Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC) and punched their ticket to the national stage with a convincing four-wicket win.
“It’s a big achievement for us, the NPL is a big deal,” said Gunda, beaming with pride.
“I’m proud of the boys. They worked hard the entire season, and it’s great to see them capping it off with NPL qualification. Having two teams in the league is massive for the club. We’ll give it our all, we’re just getting started.”
The playoff didn’t offer much drama. Mosi Titans, who won the toss and chose to bat, were bundled out for just 111 runs in 20,4 overs, with only two batters reaching double figures.
Sean Phiri top-scored with a brisk 44 off 33 balls, while Andrew Masuku chipped in with 28 from 35. The rest of the batting order collapsed, with no other player managing more than five runs.
Amakhosi 2’s bowling unit was ruthless. Skipper Cedric Dube led from the front with a sensational 5/16 from six overs.
He was backed by Tinotenda Maposa (3 wickets) and Shaun Dzakatira (2 wickets), who combined to decimate the Titans’ line-up.
In response, Amakhosi 2 chased down the target in just 12,4 overs, finishing on 114/6. Maposa shone with the bat too, smashing a whirlwind 54 off 20 deliveries, while Tanyaradzwa Takura anchored the innings with an unbeaten 21 off 28 balls.
Meanwhile, at Kwekwe Sports Club, Rimuka Cricket Club breezed past Redcliff Cricket Club with a dominant eight-wicket win.
Redcliff were skittled out for a mere 46 runs in 14,3 overs, thanks to a masterclass from Victor Chirwa, who claimed 5/12 in seven overs. Rimuka then made light work of the chase, cruising to 49/2 in just 9.2 overs, with Tarisai Musakanda finishing unbeaten on 32 off 31 balls. —@brandon_malvin
