Moffat Mungazi
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
In a league where giants usually rule, it’s the unfancied new boys MWOS who are turning heads – thanks to a steely resolve and an unsung leader at the back.
Lloyd Mutasa’s charges are unbeaten after five rounds of the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign. The Punters have conceded just once in 450 minutes and sit second on the log behind Ngezi Platinum Stars heading into Match Day Six.
With 11 points from a possible 15 – a 73 percent success rate – their remarkable debut run has been built on a rock-solid defence.
At the heart of that backline is a consistent trio of Valentine Katsande, Innocent Zambezi and skipper Tafadzwa Nyabunze – the quiet general who has fast become MWOS’ secret weapon.
The 25-year-old Nyabunze, making his Premiership debut, has led by example and stood out as the pillar of Mutasa’s watertight defence. “We work as a team, and the good thing is that we don’t have big names in our squad,” said Nyabunze. Despite being new to the top flight, he has adjusted seamlessly – crediting his coach for creating the right environment.
“The coach always tells us communication is key, and the good thing is that he is not giving us pressure,” he said.
“We want to maintain our Premiership status, and we are also leaving everything in the hands of God,” added Nyabunze.
As they travel to Shamva for a tricky clash against Herentals on Sunday, Nyabunze remains upbeat. “Herentals are not a small team, they have been in this league for a long time, but we are expecting a win,” he said.
“We have unity of purpose as a team. We are there for each other. Credit goes to coach Mutasa for building this unity.”
Before joining MWOS at the start of 2023, Nyabunze turned out for Rugare Rangers, PAM, and Golden Eagles.
“I have been learning throughout the journey. We keep pushing for more positive results,” he said. Their hosts Herentals, who have opted to play home matches at Wadzanai in Shamva instead of Rufaro in Mbare, have only managed one win from five matches.
“We expect a good atmosphere in Shamva,” Nyabunze added.
Online Reporter