Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS………. 1
Herentals…. (0)
HE LEFT the glamour of Dynamos in search of purpose — and found it in Norton.
Former DeMbare goalkeeper Martin Mapisa is thriving at Premiership newcomers MWOS, who continued their dream start to life in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with a gritty 1-0 win over Herentals at Wadzanai Stadium yesterday.
The result catapulted the league debutants to the top of the standings on 14 points, one clear of reigning champions Ngezi Platinum Stars, who slipped at the hands of TelOne on Saturday.
While it was an own goal that settled the contest, much of the spotlight fell on Mapisa, who produced another commanding performance between the sticks to register his fourth clean sheet in five appearances.
The 26-year-old missed MWOS’s goalless draw away to FC Platinum two weeks ago, but his impact since joining the club from Dynamos at the start of the season has been immense — and immediate.
“To be honest, I’m really happy,” Mapisa said after the match.
“Not that I left Dynamos because of anything negative, but MWOS always wanted me. You know in life, you have to go where you are wanted.”
He has found both belief and belonging at MWOS — a tight-knit squad that continues to defy the odds.
“We are working as a team, that’s why we are getting good results.
“We are like brothers. We are family,” said Mapisa, whose assured hands and vocal leadership from the back have steadied MWOS’s defensive unit.
Yesterday, Billy Veremu’s low cross in the 20th minute was deflected into the Herentals net by one of their own defenders, giving MWOS an early lead they would not relinquish.
Mathew Murambiwa bossed the midfield, setting the tempo and disrupting Herentals’ rhythm, while Claude Mapoka had a couple of decent chances to double the advantage. Late in the game, substitute Everson Feremba forced a stunning save from the Herentals goalkeeper, nearly wrapping up the result.
There was drama at the death when Herentals’ veteran forward Lot Chiwunga headed wide from close range in injury time — their best opportunity to salvage a point.
But once again, MWOS held firm. Once again, Mapisa stood tall.
And once again, the league sat up and took notice.
Mapisa, who is currently second-choice goalkeeper for the Warriors behind Washington Arubi, has set his sights on more than just clean sheets.
“This time around, I am aiming to make it onto the Soccer Stars calendar,” he said.
“But the most important thing is for the team to stay in the top flight. We are a new club, and the first aim is to avoid relegation.
“That said, the way we’re playing, the hard work we’re putting in — I believe we can finish in the top five.”
The next test is a poignant one for Mapisa and a significant one for the club — a blockbuster clash against his former side Dynamos.
The fixture could mark a historic moment for Norton football, with the match likely to be staged at the newly-refurbished Ngoni Stadium, which is expected to receive Premier Soccer League homologation this week.
