HUNTERS FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)
MWOS FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)
THE 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season kicked off with newcomers Hunters FC making a statement after managing to hold 2025 runners-up MWOS FC at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
MWOS FC entered the fray as clear favourites, looking to banish the ghosts of last season’s near-miss.
They started with the intent of a title contender; Billy Veremu and Arthur Banda were persistent nuisances early on, forcing the Hunters’ backline into several desperate clearances.
However, the early storm lacked the clinical finishing that Lloyd Mutasa’s men were famous for last year.
As the first half progressed, the newcomers settled their nerves and began to dictate the tempo with a brand of “carpet football” that delighted the home crowd.
Ordain Sira and Tadiwanashe Huni were the architects in the middle of the park, out-dueling their more experienced counterparts to seize control of the pace.
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Hunters produced the most gilt-edged chances of the day.
Benjamin Goliath found himself in a one-on-one situation with Francis Tizayi, but the MWOS shot-stopper proved why he is among the league’s elite.
He blocked Goliath’s initial effort, and when the rebound fell to Eli Ilunga, Tizayi somehow scrambled to produce a second brilliant save before the ball was hacked clear.
MWOS played in patches, with Marcelino Mlilo providing their biggest threat.
On the stroke of halftime, his ferocious shot from a tight angle crashed off the upright, nearly silencing the jubilant Hunters supporters.
The second half became a more subdued, tactical affair as MWOS took control of possession.
Goliath remained a threat on the break, cutting inside from the left and firing just over the bar.
With 12 minutes remaining, Praise Tonha looked certain to score from a low free-kick destined for the bottom corner, but Tizayi produced a world-class save to tip it around the post.
At the death, Mlilo had one final chance from close range, but fired straight at Kelvin Shangiwa when a goal seemed easier to achieve.
MWOS FC coach Lloyd Mutasa accepted the point from their first match of the season.
“I think we played our first game not giving the intensity that we probably want, but we will take the point,” he said.
“Also, I want to applaud the opposition for playing well.
“In the end, we had a few chances, getting into scoring areas, but instead of attempting, we were more worried about passing the ball and we lost opportunities. But we will take back what we won.”
His counterpart Nesbert
Saruchera was happy with the performance.
“I am happy with the performance since it’s our first match coming from Division One,” he said.
“I think we did well although we wanted three points and failed to get them.
“Some of the youngsters showed a lot of hunger.
“I think we are going to see a lot of these youngsters in our team this season.”
Teams
Hunters: K Shangiwa, R Pfumbidzayi, R Chipango, J Meya, Emmanuel Zinyama, B Christopher (D Mukamba, 80’), P Tonha, T Huni, O Sira (V Ngwenya, 63’), B Goliath (K Nadolo, 68’), E Ilunga (M Tapera, 63’)
MWOS FC: F Tizayi, T Nyabunze, C Kwangwari, V Katsande, I Zambezi, M Mlilo, B Veremu (W Mensah, 53’), M Mudzuka (P Magondo, 80’), M Murambiwa, A Banda (J Makangira, 53’), T Mutyambizi
