dyton mupawaenda
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER going pound for pound against traditional giants Highlanders, before delivering a late knock-out punch at Baobab last weekend, Premier Soccer League newboys MWOS have some reason to believe in themselves.
Salif Cheya scored the Punters’ first ever goal in the Premiership after 61 minutes, capitalising on a howler by Bosso keeper Raphael Pitisi, before slotting the ball into an empty net.
The manner in which MWOS players and technical staff celebrated the win showed how much they valued the three points.
MWOS coach, Lloyd Mutasa, was thrown into the air by his players, and when he finally calmed down, he declared that the Norton side are in the top-flight league to compete.
“Probably if they (MWOS players) can beat a team like Highlanders, then we are in it to compete,” said Mutasa.
“But the boys have to keep their feet on the ground. They are even stronger sides on the way.
“As long as the youngsters put in a good shift in training, then everything will be very good on match day.”
MWOS next plays Bikita Minerals at Sakubva on Sunday, and their history-maker Cheya is upbeat.
The Chitungwiza-bred striker is basking in glory after becoming the first man to register his name on the list of MWOS Premiership goal scorers.
“Scoring the club’s first PSL goal was historic, more so doing it against a big team like Highlanders.
“It’s motivating,” said the former ZPC Kariba and Herentals player.
Sources at MWOS have told Zimpapers Sports Hub that the debutant’s initial target is to survive relegation, and Cheya is confident that it is a feat that can be achieved.
“That win against Highlanders has galvanised the team. Each and every one of us has reason to believe we can achieve our target.
“It’s time to work harder at training because there is a lot of work to be done,” added the 30-year-old Cheya, who previously turned out for Northern Region Soccer League side Golden Eagles.
MWOS were not at full strength as they missed the services of new signings Claude “Pokello” Mapoka and central midfielder Gift Saunyama. However, the likes of Mathew Murambiwa and man of the match Malvern Mudzuka filled the gap with aplomb. Mudzuka, a slim and tall midfielder who joined MWOS from Black Rhinos last season, is one of the players to watch out for this season.
Fixtures:
Friday: Yadah v Chicken Inn (Heart)
Saturday: TelOne v Triangle United (Bata); Ngezi Platinum Stars v GreenFuel (Baobab); Bikita Minerals v MWOS (Sakubva); FC Platinum v Manica Diamonds (Mandava); ZPC Kariba v Simba Bhora (Nyamhunga); Herentals College v Dynamos (Rufaro)
Sunday: CAPS United v Scottland (Rufaro); Highlanders v Kwekwe United (Barbourfields)
Online Reporter