Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS are on a dream run, but coach Lloyd Mutasa is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
Despite topping the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League standings after seven rounds, the MWOS boss isn’t thinking about the title, he’s thinking survival.
A 1-0 victory over Dynamos at the newly-approved Ngoni Stadium on Monday, extended MWOS’ unbeaten streak to seven matches. Claude Mapoka’s 52nd-minute goal proved the difference, as the debutants continued their impressive start to the season.
With 17 points from seven matches, MWOS find themselves three points clear at the top, a position few would have predicted at the start of the campaign. But for Mutasa, the goal remains simple: survive.
“We have our target, which is to get to the 40-point mark. That’s what we feel will help us survive relegation,” Mutasa said.
The veteran coach, who once led Dynamos, is taking a cautious approach, despite the hype surrounding his side’s early success.
“While the early form is encouraging, the league title is not part of our immediate plans. We just need to stay focused and keep our feet on the ground,” Mutasa added.
The victory over Dynamos, who languish in 14th place with just six points, was MWOS’ fifth win of the season. For Dynamos, it marked their third defeat, continuing a difficult start to their campaign.
Meanwhile, defending champions Simba Bhora secured a 1-0 win over Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium, with Namibian striker Isaskar Gurirab netting the only goal. The win lifted them into second place on 14 points, level with Ngezi Platinum, who were held to a goalless draw by Highlanders at Baobab Stadium.
Another debutant side, Scottland FC, earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against FC Platinum in Harare. Vassili Kawe opened the scoring for Scottland, but Junior Selemani equalised for the visitors. The draw left Scottland in fourth place with 12 points, a serious contender for a top-four finish.
At the other end of the table, CAPS United’s woes deepened with a 1-0 loss to Bikita Minerals at Rufaro Stadium, leaving them with just four points from seven matches. Triangle United broke their winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Yadah at Gibbo Stadium.
In Gweru, a much-anticipated match between Herentals and Kwekwe United was abandoned after Kwekwe United failed to show up, reportedly due to salary disputes. The PSL confirmed the abandonment and is awaiting a match report to decide the next steps.
Friday’s only fixture saw Green Fuel and ZPC Kariba play to a goalless draw at the Green Fuel Arena.
As it stands, MWOS remain at the top with 17 points, three ahead of Simba Bhora and Ngezi Platinum. Scottland sit in fourth place with 12 points, while the likes of Dynamos, Highlanders, and CAPS United continue to struggle in the lower half of the table.
For Mutasa, it’s all about staying grounded and focused.
“We just need to stay focused and keep our feet on the ground,” he said.
Londile Moyo