Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
FOR 13 good years, football fans in the country’s oldest city of Masvingo had become accustomed to the less fashionable second tier league football action.
For more than a decade, they have not tasted top-flight football action.
Technically, this was also a disadvantage to lads in that part of the country, who barely had a platform to showcase their talents on the big stage at home, just like their yesteryear football heroes such as Godfrey ‘Mai Mahofa’ Dondo, had.
Perhaps, this fading enthusiasm in the game of football in Masvingo explains the lack of maintenance and upgrade of the Masvingo’s ceremonial home of football – Mucheke Stadium – where Bikita Minerals could be have played their home matches.
The team was, however, forced to use Mutare’s Sakubva Stadium due to the poor state of Mucheke Stadium.
But this is a city with a rich football history, and at one point came within 90 minutes of clinching the coveted Premiership Soccer League title.
Football enthusiasts in Masvingo watched in agony as the Premier Soccer League title slipped through their fingers exactly 18 years ago.
On the final day in 2005, second-placed Masvingo United, who were just two points behind log leaders CAPS United, needed a win to snatch the title from Makepekepe.
CAPS United’s crosstown rivals, Dynamos stood in the way of Masvingo at Mucheke Stadium, in a season final round of league matches.
Unfortunately for Asipo Haapo, they were beaten 1-2 by DeMbare and lost the title to CAPS.
Not even the huge favour from army side, Black Rhinos, who walloped Charles Mhlauri-coached CAPS United 3-0 at the National Sports Stadium, could help Una Una win that league title race.
Six years after that momentous afternoon, Masvingo United were relegated from the Premiership.
Fast forward to 2024, a good 13 years on, the City of Masvingo is on the cusp of Premiership promotion glory.
Masvingo-based Eastern Region Soccer League log leaders, FC Wangu Mazodze, believe the 2024 title and Premiership promotion is theirs to lose.
The team now commands a comfortable 12-points lead at the summit of the latest log standings. FC Wangu Mazodze coach, John Nyikadzino had this to say: “All I can say is fate is in our hands. This Eastern Region title race is ours to lose.”
Nyikadzino is, however, aware that it is not over yet, and eight teams in the league still have a mathematical chance of winning the title at the end of the season.
“I would like to say all the top eight still have a chance to win it. We still have 15 matches to go before the season comes to an end, hence there is still everything to play for,” said Nyikadzino.
The FC Wangu Mazodze gaffer attributed his team’s fine run to the high level of discipline, and dedication from the players and supporters.
“I attribute this fine run to team work, discipline, and above all commitment from all stakeholders. Of special mention are our dear supporters. They are playing a big part in terms of motivating the team, be it at home or away,” he said.
Nyikadzino said the prospects of FC Wangu Mazodze getting Premiership promotion is exciting to all football loving people of Masvingo.
“Oh yes. The project has brought a ray of hope for the people of Masvingo. They believe in the project, and when we are playing at home, the stadium will always be packed to the brims,” he said.
