Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
A FEW weeks after their acquisition of a Premier Soccer League franchise was sealed, ambitious Norton side MWOS have unveiled their first major signing, swooping on Warriors and Dynamos goalkeeper Martin Mapisa.
MWOS had finished a close second behind Scottland following a riveting Northern Region Soccer League title chase.
But they got another window to find a place in the Premiership when they entered into a deal with Southern Region champions ZESA Hwange.
However, MWOS had to wait on the wings until their deal was ratified by ZIFA on January 30.
With their status clarified, MWOS have been down to business beefing up their squad for what promises to be an enthralling 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer debut season for them.
And Mapisa, one of the key players at Dynamos last season, has crossed the floor to the ambitious Norton outfit.
ZIFA also sent correspondence to the acting PSL chief executive Rodwell Thabe, confirming MWOS’ status in the elite league.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association, by this letter, would like to advise your esteemed office and person that MWOS FC is the club that is going to participate in the 2025 Premier Soccer League season from the Southern Region.
“Please find attached the letters from the Southern Region confirming the participation of MWOS FC in the 2025 Premier Soccer League,” wrote ZIFA chief executive Yvonne Manwa.
Galvanised by this confirmation, MWOS got down to serious business on many fronts.
While renovations at Ngoni Stadium in Norton are ongoing, they have also been strengthening their squad.
Their biggest acquisition to date is 26-year-old Mapisa, who once had a stint in Spain’s lower league before returning to Zimbabwe.
“A new era in goal!” posted MWOS on their Facebook page late Tuesday.
“MWOS FC welcomes Martin Mapisa, our new goalie from Dynamos FC, who is ready to make his mark.
“We are excited to welcome Martin to the squad and look forward to seeing him between the posts.”
Apart from Mapisa, MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa has also added players with Premiership experience like former CAPS United left back Innocent Zambezi and ex-Ngezi Platinum Stars striker Claude “Pokello” Mapoka.
The former Simba Bhora duo, defensive midfielder Gift Saunyama and forward Billy Vheremu, has also joined The Punters.
Mutasa has also roped in central midfielder Mathew Murambiwa from Harare City.
The former FC Platinum, Dynamos, and GreenFuel coach is fresh from an attachment in Turkey, and he is confident his side can survive the rigours of Premiership football.
“(Playing in the PSL) means a lot; we really needed it as a team,” Mutasa told ZTN Prime recently.
“We didn’t know how we would get into the PSL, but God knew we would play in the Premiership this year.
“I played in Division One and ended up in the PSL; hence, it is easy to tell these boys that football is football; it’s 11 versus 11, whether you are in Division One or in the PSL.
“The guys are eager to make a name for themselves, so this will motivate them.
“I have faith and belief in these young boys; they can do it,” added Mutasa.
The club has also been giving updates on the renovations at Ngoni in Norton.
MWOS are inspired to bring Premiership football to the suburb for the first time in history.
“Exciting developments are underway as we continue the renovations at our beloved MWOS Ngoni Stadium.
“The stands are taking shape, bringing us one step closer to creating a world-class experience for our incredible fans,” wrote MWOS.
