Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
A FEW weeks ago, Lloyd Mutasa’s future as MWOS coach looked uncertain, especially after the team went on a seven-game win-less run.
Their first defeat at Ngoni against FC Platinum appeared to sap the energy out of MWOS, who had started life in the Premier Soccer League on a roll, when they went for 16 matches without losing.
They fell short of matching ZPC Kariba’s 19-match unbeaten run in their maiden dance with the elite league.
The Punters lost their way, as they failed to register a win in seven matches, and in the process, lost ground in the race for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
But four wins in their last four outings have thrust MWOS back in the title mix.
The Punters moved to 55 points and are four behind new log leaders Scotland going into the last four rounds of the 2025 campaign.
Interestingly, the two sides will clash in a high-stakes encounter at Rufaro after the international break.
Mutasa feels the break affords his team ample time to prepare for the match against Scottland.
“I think we experienced a slump in form, but that happens in football.
“At some point or the other you cannot keep the momentum from the onset up to the death.
“But the good part is we finally got into the groove at the right time when we were closing in, getting to the finishing line,” said Mutasa. The Punters have beaten Chicken Inn, TelOne, Kwekwe United and GreenFuel in their last four rounds.
Central midfielder Abubakar Moffat has been a key figure, while several other players including Nigel Matinha and Arthur Banda have picked up form.
“This can only motivate us as a team to finish well.
“We just want to finish well and see how finishing well will take us too.
“I think I said it before, I think from the position that we are, we are no longer looking at the top eight, but we’re looking at the top four,” said Mutasa.
“We want to fight to the end and be part of the top four.
“And like any other coach you would want to try and win as many matches as you can.
“In football they always say you are just as good as the last game and you cannot look back and be happy with what you did at the back, forgetting now and the future.”
After facing Scottland, MWOS will also play CAPS United, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Triangle United.
“We need to be in good form ahead of those last games. “The other good part is some of the guys who haven’t been playing much have picked up form in recent weeks.
“We were also pegged back by injuries to some key players.”
First choice keeper Martin Mapisa has been on and off.
“But now the majority of the guys are up there and those positions that we thought we didn’t have depth, we are now looking good.
“We now have a selection headache.
“The players are all eager to go and we are now on the same wavelength.
“We have two weeks to prepare for the match against Scottland but it’s like any other match,” added Mutasa.
The rivalry between MWOS and Scottland, which emanated from the Northern Region Soccer League last season, has added some spice to the Premiership.
