Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT had been dubbed elimination weekend, and yesterday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 31 round of fixtures lived to that billing, with Scottland grinding a 1-0 win over bitter rivals MWOS at Rufaro Stadium, which left them on the verge of a historic championship title.
The Musona brothers — Walter and Knowledge — combined to craft the 15th-minute goal that made all the difference and sent Scottland, with 62 points, six points clear at the top, ahead of defending champions Simba Bhora.
Simba Bhora ended their four-match goal drought but not their lean spell, which stretched to five winless games after they fluffed a first-half lead to eventually lose 2-1 to Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab.
Yet before a big and colourful crowd at Rufaro, Scottland’s victory virtually eliminated MWOS (55 points) from the title race with three games and nine points still to play for.
The big spending newboys are now on the verge of equalling Black Rhinos’ record of winning the championship on debut set in the era of the Super League in 1984.
Ironically, it had to come down to the Musona brothers to effectively end their hometown team MWOS’ 2025 championship dreams.
With relegated Kwekwe United their next opponents after the Chibuku Super Cup break, Scottland can start to order champagne bottles.
Ndiraya was all smiles after the crucial win over MWOS.
“This is one of the games that our boys were really stretched to the limit, particularly in the second half, and I am happy they did not give in to pressure,” Ndiraya said.
“We knew that it was going to happen and we planned accordingly. I am impressed that the boys followed the plan religiously and, in the end, we got the crucial points because we knew what was at stake.”
MWOS bossed the second half but despite their relentless fight and probing, goals were elusive.
Ndiraya’s side had to dig deep to defend their solitary goal.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa put on a brave face and chose to heap praise on his charges.
“They put up a good fight today because Scottland created a lot of chances; they could have won it by a wide margin,” Mutasa said.
“We were not solid at the back today, but we rose in the crucial moments and came up with important saves . . . Generally, I think we dominated in terms of possession but could not convert.’’
Mutasa is still happy with his side in third place.
MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa (below) can only look in anguish during yesterday’s match at Rufaro.
“When we go back to our pre-season preparations and the quality that we have, we never imagined being there at the top on the table, so the boys exceeded our expectations . . . Moments like these were obviously going to be inevitable’’.
GreenFuel still fighting for survival
GreenFuel produced a five-star show at the GreenFuel Arena yesterday, thrashing already-relegated Kwekwe United 5-0 in what stands as their biggest win since promotion into the Premiership.
It was a dominant display from the onset as the Ethanol Boys chased an early goal.
They almost found it in the fourth minute when Denzel Mapuwa’s rising effort flew inches over.
A minute later, the home crowd erupted.
Mid-season signing Harrison Masina pounced on a fumble by goalkeeper Elton Nechiware, turning in Daren Mutimuzunze’s tame header to open his GreenFuel account and set the tone for the afternoon.
Veteran striker Rodwell Chinyengetere doubled the lead in the 22nd minute, tucking home after a slick exchange that underlined GreenFuel’s urgency to boost their goal difference.
The hosts kept pressing, with debutant Kibra Mhlanga impressing despite missing out on the scoresheet.
His clever movement and energy stretched Kwekwe’s fragile defence, and his sharp link-up play with Blessing Kagudu helped craft the third goal.
Kagudu’s neat pass found Clive Rupiya, who finished off a flowing move just before half time to make it 3-0 and effectively end the contest.
Ten minutes into the second half, Chinyengetere completed his brace after being set up by the lively Masina, whose pace and power on the flank were a constant menace.
Despite their comfortable lead, coach Rodwell Dhlakama demanded more, introducing Ronald Chitiyo, Perfect Chikwende and Garikai Dematsika just past the hour mark.
The substitutes added fresh spark, and in the 80th minute, Dematsika struck the fifth after a precise assist from Chitiyo, sealing a historic five-goal triumph for the Chisumbanje outfit.
While GreenFuel’s emphatic win delighted the home fans, their Premier League fate still hangs in the balance as they are just a point ahead of the team occupying the last relegation slot, Dynamos, who visit Highlanders at Barbourfields today.
Assistant coach Godfrey Tamirepi, who handled post-match media duties, praised the performance but cautioned against complacency.
“We are happy with the three points and the goals we scored, but it wasn’t an easy game,” said Tamirepi.
“We needed the maximum points in this particular match. Our focus now shifts to the next away game against TelOne. It’ll be a tough one, but this win is a good booster for us going forward.”
For Kwekwe, the result summed up a miserable campaign.
Their coach, Masimba Dinyero, cut a dejected figure at full-time.
“We were always second to the ball and never showed the desire to fight,” Dinyero said.
“This is my biggest defeat ever and I am disappointed. If these players want to stay in the Premier League, they must be ready to compete, not to be pushed around.”
Whether GreenFuel’s biggest win yet will be enough to keep them afloat remains to be seen.
“But on a hot afternoon in Chisumbanje, they at least reminded the league that they still have fire in their tank and leapt from 16th to 12th place.
