Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa is aware the highly-anticipated Castle Lager Premier Soccer League showdown between log leaders Scottland and his team at Rufaro tomorrow is more than just a contest for the bragging rights.
The high-flying newboys are set for an important meeting which could have a significant impact on the title race, should MWOS complete a double over their rivals.
MWOS and Scottland’s rivalry dates back from their fierce contest for the 2024 Northern Region Soccer League championship.
Mutasa’s men are angling for maximum points, which could reduce the gap between them and the Mabvuku side to just a point, going into the last three rounds of play in the 2025 marathon.
Scottland currently rule the roost with 59 points but only four points separate them from third-placed MWOS.
A win for Scottland could, however, effectively eliminate MWOS from the race.
Mutasa still chasing the first Premiership championship of his long coaching career, yesterday told Zimpapers Sports Hub that the Norton side were not putting themselves under any pressure as their revised target has been to secure a top-four finish in their maiden season.
But MWOS also insists they will not hesitate to challenge for the title if the opportunity presents itself.
“It’s a crucial match but just like the previous matches that we have come across this season,” Mutasa said.
“The good thing is that if we get a positive result, we will close the gap. Like we said before, we would want to be part of the top four and I am sure if we get the three points it will give us the zeal to keep going,” said Mutasa.
MWOS are coming into the clash on the back of an impressive run that includes four consecutive wins over GreenFuel, Kwekwe United, TelOne and Chicken Inn.
They also advanced to the semi-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup, before the FIFA international break. Mutasa does not expect the recess to have any negative impact on their momentum.
“I think we have picked up great form really before the FIFA break.
“But rest is part and parcel of our training programme and it has helped some of our players to freshen up a bit and all the same get ready for the last four games and the remaining (Chibuku Super) Cup matches,” said Mutasa.
“The boys know what it means (playing Scottland tomorrow) and they have been preparing well just as they do for any other match; knowing that we are getting closer to the finish line.
“Obviously, when you are high you would need to keep the momentum. It gives them the zeal to keep going.”
Mutasa said the intensity of the game was a motivation enough for his players to give their all.
“We are employed to do well at every given game, so every game that we play as an institution we play for the badge.
“We have always said let’s try as much as we can to win all the matches that we play and see at the end of the day where those matches would take us to,” said Mutasa.
MWOS and Scottland’s rivalry date back to the Northern Region Soccer League Division One, where they also ran neck-to-neck last year before the Mabvuku side emerged victors, albeit with the help of a boardroom decision that went in their favour, in the race for the sole ticket to the Premiership.
However, the Punters still found a way to get to the big stage after buying the franchise of ZPC Hwange. On their first meeting in the topflight, MWOS earned the bragging rights with a 1-0 win at a sold-out Ngoni Stadium.
But this time they are the away side.
Hosts Scottland noting the rivalry that exists between MWOS and them, have raised the gate charges to US$5 for the cheapest ticket, US$10 upper grandstand and US$20 for VIP. Advance tickets are available online.
“I would want to urge the fans to keep coming to the stadium,” said Mutasa.
“They are really key to us. They have been with us from the onset, and we are saying together we are strong.
“We need them. They should come and cheer their team and as long as they are there we will try as much as we can to please them because we play for them.”
Both teams will also welcome back their players who were on international duty with the Warriors. MWOS, who also looking to have gritty midfielder Aboubacker Moffat playing a key role in tomorrow’s battle, had goalkeeper Martin Mapisa being an unused substitute in the Warriors matches against South Africa and Lesotho. Scottland had a bigger chunk of players away with the Warriors including their skipper Walter Musona, his brother Knowledge, Khama Billiat and Godknows Murwira.
Fixtures:
Tomorrow: Yadah v ZPC Kariba (Heart Stadium), FC Platinum v TelOne (Mandava), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Simba Bhora (Baobab), Scottland v MWOS (Rufaro), GreenFuel v Kwekwe Utd (GreenFuel Arena)
Sunday: Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields), CAPS Utd v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro), Triangle v Chicken Inn (Gibbo)
Monday: Bikita Minerals v Herentals (Sakubva).
