Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub,
MWOS FC 0-1 Simba Bhora FC
MWOS’ fairytale start to life in the Premier Soccer League is fast unravelling. Once tipped as surprise title challengers, the debutants are now sliding deeper into trouble after suffering their sixth straight defeat, a 1-0 home loss to Simba Bhora at Ngoni Stadium in Norton yesterday.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time when former Ngezi Platinum Stars forward, Tapiwa Mandinyenya, rose to head in Blessing Moyo’s corner, handing Simba three points that restored their place at the top of the log.
The result came less than 24 hours after fellow newcomers Scottland had briefly taken pole position with a 2-0 win over ZPC Kariba at Rufaro.
MWOS, though, will look back on a game of missed chances. As early as the ninth minute, Clive Kwangwari connected well inside the box, only for his header to miss by inches. Moments later, Matthew Murambiwa fired wide, and top scorer Arthur Banda saw his close range effort sail over the bar after a Billy Veremu cross.
Simba, shaky in the first-half, relied on their experience to weather the storm. Butholezwe Ncube almost punished MWOS in the 22nd minute, but veteran goalkeeper Martin Mapisa stood tall. Twenty minutes later, Simba nearly struck again when Moyo slipped the ball to Isaskar Gurirab, only for two defenders to snuff out the danger.
It was goalless at the break, but Simba coach Joel Luphahla’s changes after halftime altered the game. Introducing Mandinyenya, McKinnon Mushore, and Donald Mudadi, Simba stretched MWOS wide and began to dominate possession.
The hosts still had openings. Banda again went close in the 70th minute but blazed over. Simba could have sealed it late when Mudadi chose to pass instead of shoot, but in the end, Mandinyenya’s late header ensured the visitors left with maximum points.
Luphahla hailed his team’s resilience after bouncing back from a painful Chibuku Super Cup exit last week.
“Coming from a loss which saw us knocked out of the Chibuku Super Cup, we knew it was going to be tough to recover,” said Luphahla. “We told the boys to remain calm and enjoy their game. In the first half we struggled and were outplayed, but the changes forced their defenders to stretch and that worked for us. I’m glad the plan paid off.”
MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa, despite the slump, refused to panic.
“This is the same squad that went 17 games unbeaten at the start of the season,” Mutasa said. “They’ve started to feel the pressure, but we created enough chances again today. The problem is converting. The boys shouldn’t burden themselves with pressure, they must enjoy the game. We go back to training, and hopefully next game things will change.”
Teams
MWOS: Martin Mapisa; Tafadzwa Nyabunze; Clive Kwangwari; Innocent Zambezi; Aboubakar Moffat; Matthew Murambiwa; Tafadzwa George; Malvin Mudzuka; Billy Veremu; Arthur Banda; Valentine Katsande.
Subs: Francis Tizayi; Gift Saunyama; Jeremiah Makangira; Noah Simango; Bright Majamanda; Ethan Tamson; Wilson Mensah; Takudzwa Mutenheri; Tyrone Matongorere; Godfrey Manase; Innocent Masiiwa.
SIMBA: William Thole; Webster Tafa; Isheanesu Mauchi; Isaskar Gurirab; Blessing Moyo; Butholezwe Ncube; Boid Mutukure; Ishmael Nyanhi; Emmanuel Ziocha; Junior Makunike; Nomore Tsobora.
Subs: Tonderayi Mateyaunga; Donald Mudadi; Tavonga Kuleya; Blessed Ndereki; McKinnon Mushore; Barnabas Mtuche; Never Tigere; Cole Tsamba; Trevor Mavhunga; Carlos Mavhurume; Tapiwa Mandinyenya; Richmond Ngomane.
Bongani Ndlovu