FOLLOWING a 2025 campaign that saw them finish as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League runners-up, MWOS FC is entering the 2026 season with a singular focus: the championship.
Despite losing a core trio of influential players to rivals during the off-season, veteran head coach Lloyd Mutasa remains adamant that the “Punters” are primed to go one step further this year.
The Norton-based side enters the new season without the services of Soccer Star of the Year finalist and defensive anchor Abubakar Moffat, who joined arch-rivals
Scottland FC.
Additionally, the club saw the departure of exciting forward Nigel Matinha and goalkeeper Martin Mapisa to league newcomers Hardrock FC.
The exodus continued with the exits of Everson Feremba, Salif Cheya, and Gift Saunyama.
However, Mutasa, a seasoned tactician, is not losing sleep over the roster changes.
Speaking on Larry’s Look at the League on Fanzone, he emphasised a philosophy of growth through transition.
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“I was taught by my former coaches Sunday Chidzambwa and the late David Madondo that top players are born when the known top players leave, or are absent due to bereavement, injuries or many other reasons,” Mutasa explained.
“Other players tend to rise to the occasion.
“If you recall, not many people knew Nigel Matinha before last season but he took the opportunity.
“If it happened last season, it can happen again this season.”
Last year, MWOS finished second behind eventual champions Scottland FC.
For Mutasa, the goal for 2026 is simple — improvement.
He believes that the foundation laid last year, combined with the club’s progressive institutional framework, provides the perfect springboard for a title charge.
“As a team, we finished second and every coach would definitely want to do better than we did yesterday and I am no exception.
“We are looking forward to a great season where we do better than the last time.
“If you managed to have two players on the calendar [Soccer Stars], you would want to have more.
“In the league, if you were runners-up, you would want to go for the big one.”
While Mutasa acknowledged that the upcoming season will be exceptionally tough as teams “beef up their squads”, his confidence stems from the club’s recent recruitment drive and the stability provided by the technical leadership of Wilson Mutekede.
To fill the void left by the departures, MWOS FC have been active in the market, bringing in four high-quality additions.
Billy Veremu has signed on a permanent deal from Simba Bhora after a stellar loan spell, where he registered 13 goals and eight assists.
Joining him is Marcelline Mlilo, the Southern Region Soccer League’s top scorer who also found the net 13 times last season.
The squad has been further bolstered by Reginald Chinemo, a disciplined defender signed from Green Fuel, and Tadiwanashe Murasiranwa, a 23-year-old midfield prospect arriving from Bikita Minerals.
The prospect of a “double gun” attack featuring Veremu and Mlilo has fans at Ngoni Stadium buzzing.
With a clear vision and a coach who thrives under pressure, the Punters are no longer just participants — they are favourites to seize the crown.
