Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub Reporters
BULAWAYO’S Castle Lager Premier Soccer League hopefuls endured a grim Saturday on Matchday 12, with both Highlanders and Chicken succumbing to painful defeats, while newly-promoted MWOS continued their fairytale start by opening a three point gap at the summit.
In Norton, MWOS turned on the style with a commanding 4–0 thrashing of struggling Kwekwe United. The day belonged to Billy Veremu, who netted a sensational hat-trick, his first in the Premiership, and dedicated it to club president Patrick Tamson, who celebrated his 39th birthday on the same day.
“I’m so happy. I didn’t expect to score so many goals today,” beamed Veremu, who is on loan from Simba Bhora.
“This is for the president, he’s made everything possible.”
Veremu’s hat-trick took his season tally to seven and fired MWOS to 26 points from 12 games, three ahead of second placed Scottland, who were held to a goalless draw by Manica Diamonds at a packed Sakubva Stadium in Mutare.
The MWOS juggernaut is now 12 games unbeaten in their debut Premiership season and increasingly looking like serious title contenders, even if the official line remains survival first.
“We just want to survive. Anything beyond that is a bonus,” said Veremu, who also scored in the 2-2 draw against TelOne last week.
The upcoming top of the table clash between MWOS and Scottland at Ngoni Stadium, Norton in two weeks’ time is already being billed as a potential title decider, rekindling memories of their fierce rivalry in the 2023 Northern Region Soccer League.
But while MWOS scale new heights, Bulawayo’s established sides were left licking their wounds.
Chicken Inn 0–1 GreenFuel
At Luveve, Joey Antipas’ Chicken Inn slumped to a sixth consecutive home game without a win, falling 0–1 to GreenFuel. Clive Rupiya struck the decisive goal in the 62nd minute, punishing the Gamecocks’ wastefulness in front of goal.
Despite dominating early proceedings, Chicken Inn lacked sharpness in the final third. Genius Mutungamiri and George Majika both came close but couldn’t breach an organised GreenFuel defence marshalled by goalkeeper Ashley Rayners.
A visibly frustrated Antipas admitted his team’s form was worrying.
“We’ve been very inconsistent. At home, we’re struggling. It’s disappointing,” he said.
ZPC Kariba 2–1 Highlanders
Bosso fared no better in Kariba, where a Fanuel Shoko brace condemned them to a 2–1 defeat against ZPC Kariba.
Shoko struck in the 17th and 57th minutes, exposing defensive frailties despite the return of Andrew Mbeba from injury.
Tendai Muvuti, the former Mpopoma Sports Academy forward, pulled one back in the 77th minute but it was too little too late for Highlanders.
The result leaves Highlanders searching for consistency in a campaign that has failed to gather momentum.
Elsewhere, 2023 champions Ngezi Platinum Stars stumbled again, going down 0–1 to Herentals at Rufaro Stadium, where super sub John Zhuwawu scored with his first touch just seven seconds after coming on.
At Ascot in Gweru, nine man Yadah produced one of the season’s most spirited performances, snatching a 1–1 draw against TelOne after playing over half the match with two players sent off.
