Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
KWEKWE United’s relegation from the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League appears all but inevitable, and their situation is growing increasingly bleak. Not only are they rooted to the bottom of the table with just nine points from 25 matches, but they are also on the verge of breaking one of the league’s most unwanted records.
The Midlands outfit has already conceded 52 goals this season, edging closer to the infamous 73-goal tally set by Bantu Rovers in 2017 — the worst defensive record since the league expanded to 18 teams. With nine matches still to play, United are just 21 goals away from matching that mark, and their porous defence shows little sign of improvement.
Coach Masimba Dinyero acknowledged the severity of the situation, citing squad limitations as a major challenge.
“We have been working on our defence but it’s a tall order because we have a skeleton squad at the moment. We have a total of 24 players including three goalkeepers. Of those 24, four are out injured while the other one, Musukutwa is suspended,” he said.
United’s form has been dire, with only one win all season, and they now risk finishing with the lowest points tally since Bantu Rovers ended their 2017 campaign with just 16. Their fixture list offers little respite, as they travel to Wadzanai today to face log leaders and defending champions Simba Bhora, who top the table with 50 points and remain firm favourites to retain their title.
Despite the odds, Dinyero remains defiant.
“I believe my boys have less pressure, the pressure is more on Simba Bhora because they are the log leaders and defending champions. I have told the boys to play their normal game. We will talk more on the pitch. They will be many surprises because we have some exciting prospects who are now playing without pressure,” he said.
Midfielder Takudzwa Chimowa, Proud Chigwida, attacking linkman Shelton Sibanda, and Cassim Phiri are among the few players United will be relying on to inspire a turnaround in what has been a punishing and historically poor season.
Only 11 players are required at a time, maybe 16 with substitutes. So if a player is a member of a team, it means he is capable. One cannot then complain about not having players.