Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS have turned their attention to the Chibuku Super Cup as their last realistic chance of salvaging silverware from a disappointing 2026 season.
The Norton-based side crashed out of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup after a 1-0 defeat to Herentals in the round of 32 last weekend, while their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign has also failed to match last season’s impressive showing.
Coach Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa admits his side have fallen short of last year’s standards.
MWOS sit eighth on 35 points, 18 points behind leaders Scottland, with eight league matches remaining.
“We are below what we did last season.
“By now we had gone past the 40-point mark but we are still on 35 points with eight games to go,” Mutasa said.
MWOS made their PSL debut last season but managed to finish second with 62 points, seven behind champions Scottland.
They also reached the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals before losing 2-0 to Triangle United.
That experience has given Mutasa hope of another strong run in the tournament, although the first hurdle will be Mashonaland Central side Agama in a round-of-16 clash at Ngoni on Saturday.
“We had a good run last year in the Chibuku Super Cup and we are having our eyes on it,” he said.
“We want to try and go as far as possible. The first step is Agama, then we see what happens.”
Mutasa is also targeting a strong finish in the league, with a top-four or top-five position now the realistic objective.
The veteran coach believes MWOS have enough quality to compete despite losing several key players, including goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, midfielder Abubakar Moffat and forward Nigel Matinha.
Players such as Maxwell Murambiwa and Brendon Mpofu have stepped up, while new arrivals Reginald Chidemo and goalkeeper Tadeous Baye have also impressed.
Namibian striker Dawid Ndeunyema, 23, is gradually finding his feet as well.
But with the league title now out of reach and their Munhumutapa Challenge Cup journey now over, Mutasa knows the Chibuku Super Cup represents MWOS’ clearest route to major honours.
“It’s our only chance of getting a major Cup,” he said.
The competition, however, remains wide open, with Mutasa identifying Hardrock, Scottland, CAPS United and Chicken Inn among the sides capable of lifting the trophy.
