Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in GWERU
Kwekwe United . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
Scottland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 5
SOON after Israel Nhevera’s final whistle, the heavens opened.
But that could not wash away the wild celebrations that erupted at Ascot.
It was mission accomplished and a new era born. For 41 years, the record stood, firm and unmoved.
But Scottland, with utmost focus, did re-write history. They have become the first team in over four decades, to claim the Premier Soccer League title in their debut top-flight season, following the massive 5-1 win over Kwekwe United yesterday.
It was the second time Ascot had seen such wild celebrations and such rains in the aftermath, after CAPS United also won the league at this arena in 2016.
For Scottland, it was more special. Black Rhinos were the first team to be crowned champions in their first year in the Premiership in post-Independence Zimbabwe in 1984.
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya said: “But the difference between us and Black Rhinos is (they) were assembled in Division One, won the title in Division One then in their first season in the league, and won the title in the PSL. But we assembled our team this year and won the title.”
Scottland knew what they wanted. Not just yesterday, but throughout the season.
They were consistent and club chiefs made a huge investment.
And the return on that investment manifested in trailblazing fashion at Ascot, with Scottland absolutely whitewashing a sorry Kwekwe United side which finished the match with a man short.
Tymon Machope netted twice, while Khama Billiat, Tadiwa Chakuchichi and Ronald Pfumbidzai grabbed a goal each.
In more ways than one, this was a feel good story for Ndiraya and his boys given the negativity that also characterised their season.
For the better part of the term, there was an anti-Scottland crusade that ran the show, but that didn’t deter the Mabvuku side in any way.
“There was lots of negativity around the recruitment policy back then, but I’m happy that in the end, we have the last laugh,” said Ndiraya.
“But in particular, I want to give credit to the club president, the Honourable MP himself, Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya, for taking a bold decision to invest in football, not just in football, investing in quality players that have taken us this far.
“So I want to give him all the praises because he’s the leader of the ship, because technically I’m the head, but he’s the leader, he’s the owner of the team. Then of course, the club chairman, ironically, my namesake Tonderai Sakupwanya for leading his executive committee so, so well.
“So the management has been very, very good. But of course, in a set-up, there are always hurdles. But what was good was we came together, sat down, discussed issues and came up with solutions.”
Ndiraya, who has also made history by becoming the first coach in the PSL to win the league title back-to-back with two different teams, was at one stage under a lot of pressure. He won the title with Simba Bhora last year.
“I must admit, along the way, it was difficult. At some point, I could hear the noise in the corridors, but I must also give credit to the management for sticking with us.
“And then it gave us confidence, and in the end, here we are today, we’ve won the league title. So it was a great team effort, great team effort.
“But I think it all started with the recruitment that we did for the first round of matches. And then a very good pre-season, I must say, we went, we trained in Harare, we went to Kariba, trained in Kariba for some days, and then crossed over to Zambia.”
Ndiraya also paid tribute to the coaches and technical staff supporting him.
“The backroom staff, we had plenty of sleepless nights, negative things coming through in and outside. Of course, people were really fighting, looking for that, for what we got today.
“But in the end, we stuck together, worked together, and here we are today, celebrating.”
Scottland’s win yesterday also helped Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat win their first Premiership titles after making bold decisions to return to the domestic league after years in foreign leagues.
Teams
Kwekwe United: Elton Nechiware, Andile Taruvinga, Proud Gorekore, Clive Mushori, Cedric Maruta (Qaccin Phiri 46min), Orlando Zvavarevi, Simbarashe Masukutwa (Takudzwa Chimowa 46min), Emmanuel Mutimbanyoka (Jonah Kawadza 78min), Farai Mutatu
Scottland: Nelson Chadya, Kevin Moyo, Marvellous Chigumira (Mafios Chihweta 69min), Peter Muduhwa, Mthokozisi Msebe, Kingsley Mureremba (Panashe Mutimbanyoka 59min), Knowledge Musona, Nathan Mutasa (Valentine Macheka 69min), Khama Billiat (Tadiwa Chakuchichi 58min), Tymon Machope, Ronald Pfumbidzai.
