Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT remains a tense battle for honours at the top-end of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log table, with leaders Simba Bhora and close-chasers Scottland registering impressive wins yesterday.
On a day when former Zimbabwe skipper Knowledge Musona scored his first-ever goal in the domestic top-flight, there was no stopping Scottland from posting an emphatic 3-1 win over Herentals at Rufaro.
Elsewhere at Wadzanai in Shamva, champions Simba Bhora seemed to leave it until late before thumping basement club Kwekwe United by an identical 3-1 margin.
There were rare away wins too for the inconsistent pair of 2015 and 2016 champions Chicken Inn and CAPS United, who have been struggling this term. Chicken Inn upstaged TelOne 2-1 at Ascot in Gweru, while CAPS United became the latest side to capitalise on four-time champions FC Platinum’s slump in form, with Ishmael Wadi’s early first-half goal settling matters at Mandava in Zvishavane.
Scottland confine Herentals to biggest 2025 season defeat
Musona, who arrived at Scottland as one of their mid-season acquisitions after a stint in Saudi Arabia, ensured the debutants were well in control early on when he struck his maiden goal in the league in the seventh minute.
Scottland added more goals through regular scorer Tymon Machope and another of their mid-season arrivals — Terrence Dzvukamanja — who was lured from the South African Premiership. Since boosting their arsenal, Scottland have been winning big, as evidenced by their 5-2 destruction of FC Platinum recently.
Yesterday, they also became the first side to breach Herentals three times in a match this season.
They are also the first team this season to win seven consecutive games and garner 21 points in the process.
Sandwiched between those league wins was also a Chibuku Super Cup first round triumph.
Herentals found their consolation via a 75th-minute penalty converted by Ralph Kawondera. With Simba Bhora recording another victory at Wadzanai, Scottland remain second on the log standings, with 52 points to their name.
Scottland head coach Tonderai Ndiraya paid tribute to his men for maintaining consistency.
“I am happy that we carried on from what we have been doing in the past games; this is what any coach would want, especially at this stage of the season,” he said.
“This was not an easy match; Herentals are a tough opponent and even in the opening stages of the game, they were all over us, but that early goal by Knowledge gave us the confidence we needed; it calmed our nerves.
“Then when Machope gave us a second one, we somehow subdued them under pressure. They wanted badly to defend and attack at the same time and our midfield now came to the party and won the battles for us before Dzvukamanja gave us another one.’’
Despite the defeat, Herentals head coach Paul Benza felt his side had one of their best games of the season.
“The scoreline is far from our performance today, it was a big and tough match and I am pleased with the boys’ performance although we did not win,” he said.
“This was a strong opponent with a lot of experienced players, so coming in as underdogs we did not read much into that tag.
“They had all the quality, created chances and converted, but unfortunately for us we did not capitalise on the chances we got, but we pick ourselves up and soldier on because we are still eyeing a top-four season finish.’’
Muza double sinks TelOne at Ascot
Brian Muza made all the difference at Ascot yesterday, scoring twice to hand Chicken Inn a 2-1 victory over TelOne.
The win lifted the Gamecocks to ninth place with 30 points from 26 matches, offering fresh hope of a strong finish to a season that began poorly.
TelOne’s consolation came from the league’s leading scorer Washington Navaya, who netted his 13th goal of the campaign.
It was Chicken Inn’s third away triumph this term, following earlier victories against Dynamos and Kwekwe United.
Coach Joey Antipas hailed the result as a turning point for his team.
“This is a fantastic victory for us, third time for us winning on the road this season after a slow start,” Antipas said.
“TelOne were brimming with confidence after the win over Highlanders last week, but tactically we were superb. We could have scored more, but I’m proud of the boys.
“To win these kind of games, you need to put your bodies on the line, and they did just that. We’re still in the mix and will take it game by game.” Chicken Inn controlled the first half, pinning back the hosts who relied on counter attacks. In the 22nd minute, Mpumelelo Bhebhe thought he had given them the lead after connecting with Muza’s free-kick, but the goal was ruled offside. Three minutes later, Muza appeared to be fouled inside the box by Eriya Mafirenyika.
Assistant referee Mlungisi Matutu flagged for a penalty, only for centre referee Mhaka Magare to overrule him.
The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute when Muza, left unmarked, tapped home from close range.
After the break, Chicken Inn nearly doubled their advantage when Walter Vuwa intercepted Prince Milanzi’s poor pass, but dragged his shot wide. Navaya pounced midway through the second half, punishing goalkeeper Donovan Bernard’s error to level the score.
But Muza had the last word, striking the winner eight minutes from time after outpacing the TelOne defence. While Antipas celebrated, TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa was left frustrated.
“It’s three points dropped. I’m very disappointed. The goals we conceded were very silly goals; we could have done better,” he said.
