Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda in Shamva, Zimpapers Sports Hub
WADZANAYI Stadium bore witness to a statement of intent yesterday, not in goals but in grit, as early pacesetters MWOS continued their fairy-tale debut season by holding Simba Bhora to a goalless draw in a fiercely contested top-of-the-table, Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash.
The new boys from Norton refused to be overawed by their more illustrious opponents, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches and preserving their place atop the log standings with 18 points. Simba Bhora, the defending champions, remained three points adrift, unable to penetrate a disciplined MWOS backline despite several second-half openings.
Joel Luphahla, the Simba Bhora coach, paid glowing tribute to MWOS afterwards.
“They are not top of the log by accident,” Luphahla admitted.
“They work hard, they are organised, and you can tell they play for each other. We expected a tough match and we got one.”
Despite Simba Bhora’s dominance in patches, particularly after halftime, they were left ruing missed chances, with substitute William Manondo failing to convert a golden opportunity right at the death.
“It’s a game we could have won, but they could have won it too,” added Luphahla. “So, a point apiece feels about right.”
MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa, a veteran tactician, remained grounded despite the growing chorus tipping his side as dark horses for a top-four finish.
“Our main objective remains survival,” said Mutasa. “We are happy with the progress, but we stay humble. Forty points that is our first target.”
In truth, MWOS have already torn up the script. Few would have predicted that after two months of football, Norton’s newcomers would be dictating the pace, and even fewer would have expected them to hold Simba Bhora in Shamva, a fortress where “Go Buju Go” had only lost once in 22 outings before Saturday.
The new kings of grit might not have won many hearts with flair yesterday, but they certainly earned respect. And in a season where every point will count, especially in the title race, this could prove a pivotal afternoon.
CAPS United finally
snap winless streak
At Rufaro Stadium, Caps United eased the intense pressure on head coach Lloyd Chitembwe with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Yadah Stars.
Chitembwe, under a two-game ultimatum, cut an unusually subdued figure on the touchline, ceding most responsibilities to his assistant, Farai Tawachera. The breakthrough came late, Rodwell Chinyengetere nodding home an 80th-minute winner from an Eric Manokore corner to seal the precious three points.
Makepekepe climbed out of the bottom two with the win, temporarily easing their crisis — though bigger tests lie ahead.
Manica Diamonds falter again at Sakubva
In Mutare, Manica Diamonds again let a lead slip, settling for a 1-1 draw against a youthful Chicken Inn side, ravaged by injuries and suspensions.
Bret Amidu had given the Gem Boys an early advantage, but Joseph Thulani equalised for the visitors midway through the second half.
Coach Jairos Tapera will be frustrated, especially with league leaders MWOS looming on the horizon next week.
Bikita Minerals hold
Ngezi Platinum
At Gibbo, Bikita Minerals underlined their resilience with a battling 1-1 draw against Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Chelsea Nyakope gave the hosts an early lead after a goalkeeping blunder, but substitute Takunda Benhura salvaged a point for the former champions. Bikita goalkeeper, Taona Temera, on loan from Ngezi, delivered a man-of-the-match performance, thwarting his parent club with a string of superb saves.
Other Results
In a day dominated by stalemates:
ZPC Kariba and Scottland FC played out a drab 0-0 draw.
TelOne and Highlanders shared spoils in a lively 1-1 encounter.
FC Platinum were also held 1-1 at home by a stubborn Triangle United side.
What It All Means
With Saturday’s action, MWOS continue to lead the PSL standings with 18 points, keeping Simba Bhora (15 points) and Ngezi Platinum Stars (14 points) at bay.
CAPS United’s escape from the relegation zone adds another twist at the bottom, while Manica Diamonds and Bikita Minerals showed there are no easy games anymore, not even for the title favourites.
As the season slowly approaches its halfway mark, the PSL landscape is already beginning to reshape in ways few would have predicted.
And MWOS? They are no longer just visitors at the top table. They might just be setting it.
