By Tongai Mashonga
Kwekwe United are the Central Region Soccer League champions after a gruelling season that demanded character.
The promotion of Kwekwe United brings back Premier League football to the gold mining town after 15 years as the last team in the PSL from Kwekwe Lancashire Steel was relegated in 2009.
With a league full of seasoned campaigners like eventual runners up Tongogara, Chapungu, Sheasham, Blanket Mine and Dulibadzimu United, Kwekwe were never considered clear favorites and were expected to crumble like a deck of cards at one stage in the race.
The Prince Matore coached side defied odds and won the title with a game to play before the season ends.
Kwekwe has an unassailable lead going into the final day of action after Tongogara, the only team which could have mathematically upstaged them, was held by Sheasham 1-1 at Tongogara.
The draw, blew Tongogara’s chances of ending the season in pole position and therefore handed the title to Kwekwe United, which was on a bye during week 31.
After the weekend’s results, Kwekwe all but clinched the promotion spot with 71 points, while Tongogara has 67 points after 31 matches, with one fixture left.
Kwekwe’s impressive campaign marked by 21 victories, drawing eight games and losing two games, sets the stage for an exciting new chapter.
Matore saluted the team’s executive and players for their resilient and commitment throughout the gruelling season.
“Our players’ mental strength was strong such that it was easier for them to adapt to any situations and environment. We faced different opponents playing different mind games in each match,” he said.
The former Chicken Inn coach said his charges remained focused even after a challenging start to the season.
“I give credit to the players for this feat as there was team work and stuck together as one unit the whole season. I am really proud of this group of players, coaching staff and the executive,” he said.
Matore said the turning point in their season was the first game after the mid-season break against ZRP Gwanda at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda.
“We were second on the log behind Tongogara with one point.
“We managed to win the encounter 2-0 and Tongogara lost their game and we leap frogged them into pole position.
“We never looked back and stayed at the summit of the log until now. We are the champions.”
Matore said it is good for football in Kwekwe to have a team in the PSL after such a long time.
“It is an incredible feeling, we have achieved our goal as a team, and we are enjoying the moment,” said Matore.
Captain David Chipo said although the team does not have a strong financial background, unity made them conquer.
“As the season commenced, every player wanted to see the team win and gain promotion into the PSL. Although we had financial challenges, as players we had a unity of purpose and we conquered in a tough environment.
“We knew things were not looking good on the financial side but we put that aside and put the team and our careers first,” he said.
Chipo a central defender, marshalled the United defence with aplomb and always surged forward scoring important goals for his side and ended the season as the club’s leading goal scorer with eight goals.
“My best game was the match against Sheasham in Gweru at Bata Stadium which ended in a goalless draw.
“We played our hearts out, that even the opposition fans applauded us after the game,” he said.
Chipo said the unity and determination to win at Kwekwe United made his work as captain easier.
“We made decisions together as a team, and I would just come in to lead and encourage my team mates.”
Chipo hoped the club leadership would address the financial woes that characterised their season so that it will not affect the club.
“As we begin a new lease of life in the PSL, we want to avoid relegation in our debut season and stay there beyond 2025.
“It was not easy to get promoted ahead of giants and former PSL teams like Sheasham, Tongogara and Chapungu who were favourites to clinch the CRSL championship,” said Chipo.
Kwekwe United staunch supporter Itayi ‘Munitso’ Munyanyi was on cloud nine after his team was confirmed champions.
“It is an unbelievable feeling, I am over the moon.
“This promotion means everything to me and the entire community of Kwekwe,” he said.
Munyanyi, a founder of the team’s supporters club said he has supported this team through thick and thin since 2020.
“The journey to the PSL was filled with ups and downs, and when I heard the final whistle on Saturday of the Tongo and Sheasham game I jumped as if I had won the lottery. That moment brought joy to the entire Kwekwe community,” he said.
Munyanyi like Matore pointed to the ZRP Gwanda match as the turning point for their season.
He said the coming in of experienced players during the mid-season window transfer had also proved vital.
The die hard fan applauded all the team’s players but singled goalkeeper Elton Nechiware who kept a number of clean sheets.
“We want to avoid relegation and wish to win the PSL title as well as play in the CAF Champions league,” he said.
Munyanyi said they expect club president Dr Phil Makekera to beef up the squad to match PSL expectations.
“Our financial standings are not good, but since we are the talk of town, we hope to see sponsors and investors coming in to stabilise the ship,” he said.
The club’s fans are eager to know the home ground they will use, and Munyanyi said they will mobilise buses so that fans can travel in their numbers to away matches next season.
Their promotion comes at a time when Prophet Walter Magaya and local businessman Shepherd Chahwanda have embarked on the construction of a multi-million dollar state-of-the art stadium in the town.
Kwekwe United’s promotion brings back fond memories of yesteryear when Kwekwe was a force to reckon with in football.
The gold mining town and its dormitory town of Redcliff has produced an array of talent that include the late Paul Gundani, James Takavada, Ephraim Dzimbiri, Frank M’kanga, Benedict Moyo, Kennedy Nagoli, Washington Arubi, Ashley Rambanapasi, and Simba Gate among others.
New Ziana
