MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa believes the competition for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title will be tougher this season than ever before, citing a congested log table that suggests a marathon sprint to the finish line.
Mutasa’s men led the title race for the better part of last season, only to be overtaken at the finish line by eventual champions Scottland in a frantic three-horse tussle that also included Simba Bhora.
Though the current campaign is only seven games old, the sheer congestion at the summit of the log table is staggering.
Six points separate ninth-placed Herentals from the summit, currently held by Caps United.
“I said it from the onset,” Mutasa noted, fresh off a bruising 1-0 victory over Simba Bhora at Ngoni Stadium on Monday.
“You look at Caps United, they are a very solid squad. You look at Hard Rock, they are solid as well. You also look at Dynamos . . . the list is endless. This season is going to be tougher than the previous seasons.”
Perhaps most intriguing is Mutasa’s warning about Highlanders.
Despite a bizarre start to the season under new coach Benjani Mwaruwari — drawing all seven of their opening matches — Mutasa insists the Bosso remain a massive threat.
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“Highlanders might be having some troubles, but you look at the way they are playing, they can turn the tables at any time.”
The current log standings highlight the intensity in this season’s title race.
Caps United and the meteoric newly-promoted Hardrock are locked at the top on 16 points.
Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars are breathing down their necks with 15, while defending champions Scottland sit in fifth, lurking just three points off the lead.
The top eight is rounded out by Chicken Inn (6th) and MWOS (7th) with 12 points each, followed by FC Platinum and Herentals on 10.
For Mutasa, this season is a personal quest to exorcise the ghosts of the past.
MWOS finished as runners-up last year with 62 points and had two players, Moffat Abubakar and Billy Veremu, among the Soccer Stars of the Year finalists.
“We want to do better than yesterday,” the veteran coach remarked.
“We amassed 62 points last season and had two youngsters in the Soccer Stars of the Year 11-man selection, so anything above that would represent an improvement for the team. We are looking to improve in most aspects as a team.”
The task is made harder by the departure of key talent.
Midfielder Abubakar was lured away by the deep pockets of Scottland, while Nigel Matinha was snapped up by ambitious newcomers Hardrock.
Despite a sluggish start and the loss of his core stars, Mutasa’s new-look MWOS are beginning to hum.
Monday’s victory marked their second consecutive win following a 2-1 win against Agama last week.
“The more these youngsters keep playing together and get good results, the stronger we will become, I hope.”
The Punters will need that strength sooner rather than later.
Their newfound momentum faces the ultimate litmus test this weekend with a daunting trip to Zvishavane to face FC Platinum.
If Mutasa wants to finally grasp the league title that has remained stubbornly elusive throughout his rather decorated career, coming away from Mandava Stadium with points will be the loudest statement he can make.
Castle Lager Matchday Eight fixtures
Saturday: Herentals v Hunters (Rufaro).
Sunday: Agama v Simba Bhora (Wadzanayi), Caps United v TelOne (Rufaro), Triangle v Manica Diamonds (Gibbo), FC Platinum v Mwos (Mandava), Hardrock v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Chahwanda).
Wednesday: Scottland v Dynamos (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo Chiefs (Nyamhunga).
