Online Reporter
Onward Gangata in GWERU
TelOne secured a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League statement victory that burst champions Simba Bhora’s bubble at Ascot yesterday.
On a day when the race for the 2025 championship race took another twist, second-placed MWOS reduced the gap between Simba Bhora and them to just two points after grinding a 1-1 come from behind draw with ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga and revitalised FC Platinum continued with their resurgence to post a vital 2-1 win over basement side Kwekwe United at Mandava.
TelOne coach Hebert “Jompano’’ Maruwa has been telling anyone who cares to listen to him that he has actually set his sights on bringing the Premiership championship to Gweru for the first time.
He has backed his claims by guiding TelOne to within touching distance of the leading duo of Simba Bhora and MWOS while they are only in fifth place because of inferior goal difference as they share the same number of points — 37 — as third-placed FC Platinum and Scottland who are fourth.
FC Platinum and Scottland has their standings boosted well before match-day action had started after the PSL finally released rulings on their respective abandoned games against Dynamos and Chicken Inn.
The duo of FC Platinum and Scottland were awarded three points apiece on 3-0 score-lines over DeMbare and the Gamecocks and Norman Mapeza’s Zvishavane miners then made six points on the day when condemning out of sorts Kwekwe Unted to their 15th defeat in 21 games.
Spotlight on Simba Bhora
After seemingly seizing control of the race, Simba Bhora were given a stark reminder by TelOne of the riveting manner in which this year’s championship is panning out with MWOS, FC Platinum, Scottland, TelOne and Ngezi all in the mix.
On the back of their crucial win TelOne underlined their championship credentials with a big win over a Simba Bhora that seemed to have just turned the corner in their bid for a title defence.
A second half tactical shift by Maruwa blunted Simba Bhora’s usually fluid play, with goals from Milton Chimedza and Tawanda Macheke, off a Washington Nvaya assist, sealing it for the WiFi Boys.
Crucially, the win pulls TelOne back into the title race, cutting the gap with Simba Bhora down to six points.
Simba Bhora still lead the table with 43 points, two ahead of second placed MWOS.
Maruwa said the result was more than just three points, it was a clear message.
“I am very happy with the result. For you to be champions, you have to beat the champions,” Maruwa said.
“After a slow start to the game, we managed to recover and pick up the pieces to score two goals in the second half.
Football is a game of pressure, and we were not under any pressure. We have already declared our target, we want the big one.” TelOne made a cautious start, allowing Simba Bhora to settle and dominate the early stages.
But the visitors were limited to sideways passing, posing little threat to TelOne’s backline.
On the other end, the hosts looked dangerous on the break, with Navaya forcing a fine save from William Thole.
Though they had less of the ball, TelOne created better chances in the first half.
Defender Tafadzwa Jaravani went close with a powerful effort from distance that flew just wide.
Maruwa made a key move on the half-hour mark, substituting Calvin Chigara for Kudakwashe Nyakudanga.
That switch tilted the game in TelOne’s favour, giving them more control, especially in midfield.
They took the lead just after the break when Chimedza smashed home a well-taken volley past Thole.
TelOne nearly doubled the advantage soon after, but Panashe Mutasa couldn’t finish from close range.
Simba Bhora’s push for an equaliser lacked bite. They struggled to break down TelOne’s disciplined defence.
Blessing Moyo came closest, but his shot from the edge of the box was well saved by keeper Tapiwa Chilenga, who did well to narrow the angle.
The Shamva side kept pushing but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Macheke sealed the win in stoppage time with a sharp finish, putting away Navaya’s low cross from the left.
Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla admitted they had been second best.
“Well done to TelOne. Not one of our best games in terms of creating chances. We came here to get the points, but it was not to be. We have to regroup. It’s not easy when you’re at the top. The pressure is just too much. Everyone wants to beat you, and the boys have to get used to that,” he said.
Teams:
TelOne: Tapiwa Chilenga, Eriya Mafirenyika, Admire Dzumbunu, Tafadzwa Jaravani, Calvin Chigara (Kudakwashe Nyakudanga 30’), Pawell Govere, Tawanda Macheke, Bruno Mtigo, Milton Chimedza (Elton Chikona 84’), Panashe Mutasa (Leeroy Murape 84’), Washington Navaya
Simba Bhora: William Thole, Webster Tafa, Blessing Moyo, Carlos Mavhurume, Isheanesu Mauchi, Junior Makunike (Barnabas Mtuche 76’), Blessed Ndereki (Emmanuel Ziocha 62’), Donald Mudadi (Never Tigere 62’), Butholezwe Ncube (Tinotenda Meke 62’), Ishmael Nyanhi, Issakar Gurirab (Tavonga Kuleya 72’)
