malvernmugadzikwa
Langton Nyakwenda
A VIDEO made by a Scottland FC supporter on July 12, issuing a stern warning to other teams in the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) that decisive action will be taken against them on the field of play, recently went viral.
That was soon after Scottland had beaten Black Rhinos 2-0 in a top-of-the-table clash at Rufaro Stadium.
The clip, which also featured Scottland owner Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya, went viral on social media, especially TikTok.
The same kind of frenzy that greeted the video has also hit the NRSL, arguably the much talked-about football league in the country at the moment.
The league is witnessing a major transformation and has become competitive, especially this season.
It is the most visible local football league on social media and attendance figures have been soaring, especially when log leaders MWOS play at their home ground, Ngoni, in Norton.
On the other hand, it is always a carnival atmosphere when second-placed Scottland host their matches at Rufaro.
MWOS, who have reawakened football interest in Norton, are engaged in a fierce battle for promotion with Scottland, Black Rhinos and Harare City.
Scottland’s arrival on the scene at the start of the season brought in a lot of excitement and energy in the second-tier league.
“The 2024 NRSL season has been incredibly competitive, with four teams vying for the top spot.
“The newcomers, Scottland, have brought so much energy to the league, shaking things up and making it everyone’s game,” said the league’s vice chairperson, Sweeney Mushonga.
“Meanwhile, other new teams like DZ Royal Stars and Zambezi G&C are still finding their footing, fighting to avoid relegation. It’s been a thrilling season.”
According to figures released by the NRSL, about 7 000 fans watched the high-profile match between MWOS and Scottland at Ngoni in August.
Scottland average 4 000 fans at their home games, with most of the supporters coming from Mabvuku-Tafara, where Sakupwanya is a legislator.
Teams like CC Lee Mhangura, Banket, Karoi United and Chinhoyi are also commanding respectable crowds.
But much of the focus now is on the four-team title race.
While it may appear to be a battle between MWOS and Scottland for the league title, seasoned campaigners Black Rhinos and Harare City are still in the equation.
With 67 points, MWOS have a seven-point advantage over Scottland.
Scottland have “a game in hand’’ that will now be determined by the NRSL’s disciplinary committee after their match against Karoi United ended prematurely with the game tied 1-1.
Third-placed Black Rhinos staged a dramatic comeback to beat Zambezi 4-3 on Wednesday to stay within shouting distance on 59 points and five clear of fourth-placed City.
“We have always said that Division One football is more competitive, especially if you consider that you are playing for the sole ticket to the Premiership,” MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa said.
“Division One is actually tougher than the Premier Soccer League where you can play for top four or top eight.
“In Division One, nobody remembers you for being number two. You have to take the team to the next level.”
The top-four teams have so far scored a whopping 161 goals and MWOS have plundered 52 goals in 30 matches, an average of 1,7 goals per match.
It is a return superior to that of Premiership log leaders Simba Bhora, who have scored an average of 1,3 goals per match.
The presence of ex-Premiership stars in the NRSL has added some spice and these include 2012 Soccer Star of the Year Denver Mukamba, Ronald Pfumbidzai and Lincoln Zvasiya, who are turning out for Scottland, together with Allan Gahadzikwa, King Nadolo and Leeroy Mavhunga.
Devon Chafa (Golden Eagles), Wisdom Mutasa, Chris Samakweri, Kelvin Shangiwa (MWOS), Brighton Tuwaya and Nicholas Alifandika (Shamva Mine), Moreblessing Mushangwe (Black Rhinos) and Charles Murisa (Cranborne Bullets) are among the former PSL players now in the NRSL.
“This has given the league a new dimension; there is competition and there are a lot of surprises,” Scottland coach Genesis Mangombe, a former Dynamos coach, said.
“In the PSL, you are allowed space to play, but here in Division One, there is nothing like that. One has to adapt to the conditions, because Division One is different from PSL.
“There are so many qualified and experienced coaches in the league. We also have former PSL players taking part. The race for the title is still open and all this adds to the excitement.”
Black Rhinos’ Nesbert Saruchera, Ikabort Masocha (Harare City) and Ralph Kawondera (Shamva Mine) are some of the experienced coaches in the league.
Mangombe believes competition bodes well for the national game.
“Competition improves the quality of the game and this also helps when selecting players for the national team,” he said.
“As Scottland, we are trying our best to hang in there and we will keep working hard. There are still 24 points to play for and we just need consistency.”
Saruchera insists it is still game on, despite the soldiers trailing MWOS by eight points.
“But I am afraid we might chase the fans away because a lot is now happening, which is a bit dirty for football,” he said.
“We believe the best team must be promoted. Fair play must prevail all the time. Let’s respect football because losing is part of the game.”
He is worried about allegations of rampant biased refereeing in the league.
Masocha feels Rhinos and MWOS have an advantage because they started the season with the same coaches.
“It’s unlike Kaka (Mangombe) or anyone else who joined during the season,” he said.
“The level of competition is fantastic. There are no pushovers in this league. Check the scorelines; it’s a true reflection of how close these different teams are.
“I attribute it to the coaches, who are working hard with their respective management teams and sponsors to ensure teams remain competitive.”
Harare City are now being bankrolled by City Parking and have enjoyed some stability since the inception of this arrangement.
Top Four Log as at Match Day 30 on Thursday last week
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter