Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
VETERAN coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe continues to be in defiant mode even as his Yadah Stars remain stuck in the drop zone and in real danger of being demoted from the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
AS the clock ticks towards the business end of the 2025 championship, spotlight has been swirling around the relegation zone as much as it is centred on those fighting for the title. Newboys Kwekwe United have found the going tough and have remained stuck at the basement of the 18-team log table after managing just a paltry nine points from 23 games. They are followed closely by Dynamos in 17th position with 16 points while Manica Diamonds (16th) and Yadah (15th), with 24 and 23 points complete the drop zone.
Despite Yadah’s precarious position, Jongwe appears unfazed and is optimistic that his charges will survive the much-dreaded axe.
“The threat of relegation is something I do not feel right now,” Jongwe said.
“We might be deep down there on the log table but when we look closely at the statistics, more than half of the teams in the league are in the relegation zone.”
Yadah who are bankrolled by Prophetic Healing Deliverance Ministries have, however, been blowing hot and cold, casting a shadow on Jongwe’s optimism about their survival chances.
But to their credit, “The Miracle Boys” have in the past seasons, mustered the art of surviving at the last minute.
In 2022, they survived on the last day with 37 points, just two above Harare City who went on to be relegated together with Bulawayo City, Tenax and WhaWha.
The following year, Yadah were on the ropes again but somehow launched a great escape, managing 40 points and surviving at the expense of Black Rhinos who were two behind.
Last year Yadah fared better, finishing the season in 11th place with 37 points.
However, their current struggles point to a much tougher fight for survival this time around.
“I think between the team on number 11 and us, it is just three points so, basically, we are not far from safety nor are we far from danger.
“We are not putting ourselves under necessary pressure because currently the team is playing well but in football, defeat and draws are bound to happen at some point.
“I am positive that we will survive relegation.”
Although they are fresh from a 1-0 defeat at the hands of high-flying Scottland, Yadah hold an impressive record in the past month.
They amassed 10 out of a possible 15 points after three victories over MWOS, Kwekwe United and Manica Diamonds, and a 1-1 draw against GreenFuel.
That was before they suffered a 1-2 reverse at the hands of Chicken Inn.
Jongwe is confident they can replicate their good run.
“This is a very good return not only in the Premier League but also in a highly competitive season like this.
“Our performance has been strong, and it is crucial that this fresh defeat does not disrupt our positive momentum.
“It is essential for us to engage with the players and motivate them to have self-belief, confidence in their abilities and also make them believe that they can do it,” added Jongwe.
Jongwe will be hoping that Yadah can bounce back to winning ways when they host Triangle at the Heart Stadium.
“We don’t have to wait until the last day to survive, it is dangerous, so we have to quickly put the Scottland defeat behind us and focus on the Triangle game.
“At the weekend, we need nothing less than three points, so we need to bounce back as quickly as we can and ensure we come out with a good result”.
