Online Reporter
Onward Gangata, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Kwekwe United 1-5 Scottland
THE heavens opened just as the celebrations began. Moments after the final whistle at Ascot Stadium, a heavy downpour drenched the field but not even the rain could wash away Scottland’s joy after sealing their maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title with a commanding 5-1 win over relegated Kwekwe United.
The Mabvuku-based club made history, becoming the first side to win the Premiership in their debut season, a feat only Black Rhinos had achieved before, back in 1984.
Khama Billiat started the goal rush just before the half hour mark, tapping in after a defensive mix up. Tymon Machope doubled the lead before halftime, then Ronald Pfumbidzai, Takudzwa Chakuchichi, and Machope later converted a late penalty for his brace, while Takudzwa Chimhowa netted Kwekwe’s consolation.
The result pushed Scottland to 65 points, seven clear of second placed MWOS, with two games remaining, an unassailable lead that confirmed them as champions.
For coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who lifted the league title with Simba Bhora last year, the moment felt divine.
“We are a Christian team, we believe in God,” said Ndiraya.
“A lot of us in the side are Christians, but we also have others with different beliefs. The rains coming down at such a time is probably a good omen. They say rains are a sign of acceptance from above. This victory means a lot for us as a club.
“We faced many challenges this season. There were times you could see that nearly everyone was against us, but we thank God, we made it.”
Ndiraya couldn’t help but draw parallels with the legendary Black Rhinos team.
“This is history,” he said. “We have become the first side since Black Rhinos to win the league in our first Premier League season. The difference is that they were assembled in Division One, got promoted, then won the league the following year. We built this team from scratch for the Premiership and won it at the first attempt. That’s special.”
Scottland were dominant from the start. Machope came close early with a powerful header off Pfumbidzai’s cross, but Kwekwe goalkeeper Elton Nechiware produced a fine save. Nechiware was soon called into action again to parry a fierce Knowledge Musona free kick.
Billiat eventually broke the deadlock, taking advantage of a defensive lapse, before Machope’s thunderous left footed strike made it 2–0. After the break, Musona’s delivery from a set piece found Pfumbidzai, who nodded in for the third.
Kwekwe replied almost immediately through Chimhowa’s long range strike, but their hopes faded when substitute Qacim Phiri was sent off for dissent after a denied penalty appeal. With the extra man, Scottland finished in style, Machope buried a late penalty to cap a perfect afternoon for the new champions.
Teams
Kwekwe United: Elton Nechiware, Andile Taruvinga, Proud Gorekore, Clive Mushori, Cedric Maruta (Qacim Phiri 46), Orlando Zvavarevi, Brian Kativu, Nigel Mupandawana, Simbarashe Musukutwa (Takudzwa Chimhowa 46), Emmanuel Mutimbanyoka (Jonah Kawanza 78), Farai Mutatu.
Scottland: Nelson Chadya, Marvellous Chigumira (Valentine Katsande 69), Ronald Pfumbidzai, Kelvin Moyo, Peter Muduwa, Kingsley Mureremba (Panashe Mutimbanyoka 60), Mthokozisi Billiat (Tadiwa Chakuchichi 58), Nathan Mutasa (Maphios Chiweta 69), Mthokozisi Mseba, Knowledge Musona, Tymon Machope.
