Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A day that began under grey skies turned into a landmark moment for Zimbabwean football. Yesterday in Gweru, Ascot Stadium staged a scene the Premier Soccer League had never witnessed before. It was a day of firsts, a day that felt like a fresh chapter turning for the local game.
Scottland became the 30th Premiership champion, fitting for a number long associated with dedication and the start of new phases. They did it in style, sealing the title in their debut season, a feat no other side has managed in the PSL era.
They had wrapped up the championship weeks ago, but yesterday they added a 2-1 win over TelOne to their story. Rain pounded the Midlands capital, yet it only added to the spectacle as thousands watched history unfold.
The coronation carried extra weight because the First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, attended the ceremony. It was the first time a PSL title crowning had ever been graced by a First Lady. The league’s new trophy also made its debut, and Scottland became the first club to hoist it.
Tymon Machope opened the scoring in the 36th minute to take his tally to 16, putting him one short of Golden Boot winner Washington Navaya. Tadiwa Chakuchichi made it 2-0 on the stroke of halftime, before Tawanda Macheke pulled one back in the second half. Macheke closed the season with eight goals and 10 assists. When the final whistle blew, Ascot erupted. Enzo Ishall’s Dzichava Nhoroondo blasted through the speakers while players danced in the rain, medals around their necks.
Coach Tonderai Ndiraya, now a back to back champion after last year’s triumph with Simba Bhora, was lifted high by his squad.
“I am happy and I want to pay tribute to the boys who played their hearts out throughout the season,” said Ndiraya, who tasted Ascot glory before as Kalisto Pasuwa’s assistant during Dynamos’ 2012 title run. This time, though, the Midlands celebration belonged to him.
He praised the club’s leadership for creating “the enabling environment” that kept Scottland steady all season.
“The boys also deserve to party, they worked hard,” he said.
Scottland defender Kevin Moyo added another milestone. He played his 34th league game of the season without missing a single minute, helping his team break Black Rhinos’ 41 year record as the only other club to win the title in their debut top flight campaign.
“I am very proud of myself,” said Moyo, who is widely backed for the Soccer Star of the Year award. Already a two time champion with FC Platinum, he admitted this medal feels different. “This one with Scottland is special because it’s the team’s first season in the top flight. The other good thing is that I have won Cups with several clubs.”
His well stocked cabinet includes Chibuku Super Cup titles with FC Platinum, Bulawayo Chiefs and Dynamos.
Navaya, the Golden Boot winner with 17 goals, didn’t hit the 20 goal target he chased all season, but he took pride in what he achieved. He finishes the year as TelOne’s talisman and successor to last season’s winner Lynoth Chikuhwa.
“I worked hard for this and I feel proud to be the Golden Boot winner,” said the Gweru bred striker.
The ceremony drew a strong crowd of football leaders, Zifa board member Brighton “Panjap” Ushendibaba, PSL chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa, governors Kenneth Mhlope and Oscar Nduwure, and Women’s Football president Chido Chizondo. Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, was also present.
For Gweru, a city without a Premiership title of its own, the moment still carried a familiar twist. Ascot has staged coronations before, including CAPS United in 2016 and FC Platinum in 2017. Yesterday’s event added another chapter to its growing list of milestones.
It was fitting that a season full of breakthroughs ended on a day soaked in both rain and celebration. Scottland’s rise from newcomers to champions will be remembered as one of the league’s defining stories.
Bongani Ndlovu