Scottland clinch historic Zimbabwe football league title
…as Dynamos climb out of relegation zone for the first time in many months
By Auther Chimbgwa
Scottland thumped Kwekwe United 5-1 at Ascot stadium this Sunday to write their own piece of history as the first league debutants in Zimbabwe’s premier league era to clinch the title.
In a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Match Day 32 clash, goals by Khama Billiat, Ronald Pfumbidzayi, teenager Tadiwa Chakuchichi and a brace by Tymon Machope piled all the woes on relegation bound Kwekwe United, who got their consolation goal through a wonder strike by Takudzwa Chimhowa in the second half.
The victory gave the Mabvuku-based side an unassailable 65 points on the log standings with two games left to play in Zimbabwe’s top flight football league, which has 18 teams.
Scottland’s nearest rivals, MWOS have 58 points to their name.
Mabviraviira’s head coach, Tonderayi Ndiraya was also scoring a first by being the only football gaffer since independence to lead his charges to the championship in two consecutive years with different teams after guiding Simba Bhora to the league title last season.
Meanwhile, Dynamos are out of the relegation zone for the first time in many months after they beat Bikita Minerals 1-0 through a first half penalty converted by their captain Emmanuel Jalai in a match played at Rufaro stadium on the same day.
The Glamour Boys sit 6th from the bottom although they share 37 points with three other teams who are above them by virtue of superior goal differences. DeMbare need one more victory from the remaining two games to be assured of safety.
In Saturday’s matches, Simba Bhora gave up on their title chase following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Highlanders at Wadzanai stadium.
Leading league goal scorer Washington Navaya took his tally to 17 goals when TelOne drew 1-1 with Green Fuel at Ascot stadium in Gweru.
Yadah and Manica Diamonds picked up crucial points when they won by an identical 1-0 scoreline over Herentals College and Ngezi Platinum Stars, respectively.
MWOS sunk Triangle into the relegation zone when they beat them 1-0 at Ngoni stadium while ZPC Kariba and FC Platinum were involved in a 1-1 stalemate at Nyamhunga stadium.
Chicken Inn also drew 1-1 with Caps United at Luveve stadium to complete Saturday’s goal rush.
