Online Reporter
Kwekwe United………………(0)1
Scottland…………………… . (2) 5
Tadious Manyepo in GWERU
SOON after Israel Nhevera’s final whistle, the heavens opened.
But that couldn’t wash away the wild celebrations that erupted at Ascot Stadium.
It was mission accomplished and a new era born. For 41 years, the record stood, firm and unmoved.
But Scottland, with utmost focus did rewrite history, becoming the first team in over four decades, to claim the Premier Soccer League title in their debut top-flight season, following this commanding win here yesterday.
It was the second time Ascot has seen such wild celebrations and such rains in the aftermath after CAPS United won the league at this very arena in 2016.
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: “I think we are the first team since Black Rhinos won the league in 1984 as debutants.
“But the difference between us and Black Rhinos is Black Rhinos 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 were champions in Division One, then assembled a team in the Premier League, strong team for that matter. Then here we are.”
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.
Just like in this match’s after match, the goals rained huge with Tymon Machope netting 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 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.
Ndiraya added: “There was lots of negativity around the recruitment policy back then, but I’m happy that in the end, we have the last laugh.
“But in particular, I want to give credit to the club president, the Honourable MP himself, Pedzai “Scott” Sapupanya, 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.
“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, where we had a very, very, probably, “I must admit, the best pre-season amongst the teams that are in the Premier League. The players have achieved as a unit. So yeah, they put in a very huge effort. And of course, my back-room staff, back-room 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.”
At a personal level Ndiraya has become the first coach to win the championship in two successive seasons with different teams having won it with Simba Bhora last year.
With two games still to play, Scottland will be crowned at the very turf the constricted Kwekwe United yesterday when they play TelOne on the final day of the season.
Scottland’s win yesterday also helped Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat win their first Premiership title after making bold decisions to return to the domestic league after years in the diaspora.
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.
