Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Simba Bhora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
IT is becoming as riveting as it is too close to call.
That is the story of the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) championship race.
And yesterday, champions Simba Bhora left it until late to grind a result from a venue where they became only the second team to win this season — MWOS’ Ngoni Stadium fortress in Norton.
Tapiwa Mandinyenya’s goal at the death ensured the Shamva side quickly reclaimed top spot on the log standings, just 24 hours after they had surrendered it to in-form Scottland.
On a day when Herentals stunned GreenFuel 1-0, Manica Diamonds held Chicken Inn 0-0 and Bikita Minerals rallied from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab, the focus was always on Somba Bhora — what with Scottland having shot to the top following their 2-0 triumph over ZPC Kariba at Rufaro on Friday.
MWOS slump continues
MWOS’ fairytale start to life in the top-flight league is fast unravelling.
Once tipped as surprise title challengers, the debutants are now sliding deeper into trouble after suffering their sixth straight defeat.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time when former Ngezi Platinum Stars forward Mandinyenya rose to head in skipper Blessing Moyo’s corner, handing Simba three points that restored their place at the top of the log.
MWOS, though, will look back on a game of missed chances.
As early as the ninth minute, Clive Kwangwari connected well inside the box, only for his header to miss by inches.
Moments later, Matthew Murambiwa fired wide, and top scorer Arthur Banda saw his close-range effort sail over the bar after a Billy Veremu cross.
Simba Bhora, shaky in the first half, relied on their experience to weather the storm.
Butholezwe Ncube almost punished MWOS in the 22nd minute, but goalkeeper Martin Mapisa stood as tall as his lofty height.
Twenty minutes later, Simba Bhora nearly struck again when Moyo slipped the ball to Namibian Isaskar Gurirab, only for two defenders to snuff out the danger.
It was goalless at the break, but Simba coach Joel Luphahla’s changes after half-time altered the game.
After introducing Mandinyenya, McKinnon Mushore and Donald Mudadi, Simba Bhora stretched MWOS wide and began to dominate possession.
The hosts still had openings.
Banda again went close in the 70th minute, but blazed over.
Simba could have sealed it late when Mudadi chose to pass instead of shoot.
Luphahla hailed his team’s resilience after bouncing back from a painful Chibuku Super Cup exit last week.
“Coming from a loss which saw us knocked out of the Chibuku Super Cup, we knew it was going to be tough to recover,” he said.
“We told the boys to remain calm and enjoy their game. In the first half, we struggled and were outplayed, but the changes forced their defenders to stretch and that worked for us. I’m glad the plan paid off.”
MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa still refused to panic, despite the slump.
“This is the same squad that went 17 games unbeaten at the start of the season,” Mutasa said. “They’ve started to feel the pressure, but we created enough chances again today. The problem is converting.
“The boys shouldn’t burden themselves with pressure; they must enjoy the game. We go back to training, and hopefully in the next game things will change.”
Results
MWOS 0-1 Simba Bhora
Chicken Inn 0-0 Manica Diamonds
Ngezi Platinum 1-1 Bikita Minerals
GreenFuel 0-1 Herentals
