Football powerhouse Highlanders started the 2025 premiership season poorly. They suffered a 0-1 loss against new team MWOS during Sunday's Castle Lager Premier Soccer League opener at Baobab stadium. Another major club, Dynamos, failed to score against ZPC Kariba at Rufaro, ending with a 0-0 result. These outcomes disappointed many local fans who expected stronger performances.
Salif Cheya scored the winning goal for MWOS just after sixty minutes of play. He took advantage when Highlanders goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi and defenders miscommunicated. The striker calmly placed the ball into the net from close range. This loss brought sad news to Highlanders supporters, who had hoped for better results this season after years of disappointing performances from their once-dominant team.
Saturday saw more action when first-time premiership competitors Kwekwe United earned a 1-1 tie against former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Bata Stadium. Experienced forward Masimba Mambare came off the bench to score an important equalizer for Kwekwe. His contribution proved crucial to securing the point against more established opponents.
Ngezi Platinum Stars showed early strength, forcing Kwekwe United goalkeeper Elton Nechiware to make a critical save just four minutes into the match. Their pressure paid off when recent signing Karengesha Ashwin scored nine minutes into the game after Kwekwe defenders momentarily lost focus. Ngezi continued creating chances throughout the first half, nearly increasing their lead when striker Takunda Benhura missed an opportunity at nineteen minutes.
The first half ended with Ngezi Platinum ahead 1-0, but coach Saul Chaminuka made smart tactical changes for Kwekwe United during the break. His substitution of Mambare changed the game completely. The former Warriors player headed in a perfect cross at sixty-two minutes, bringing the scores level. The newcomers gained confidence after equalizing and created several more scoring chances.
Coach Chaminuka expressed happiness with his team's performance despite early nervousness. He noted how his players settled down after halftime and began creating problems for their opponents. Mambare received special praise for his impact on the match. The coach emphasized the importance of avoiding defeat in their first premier league appearance, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.
Salif Cheya scored the winning goal for MWOS just after sixty minutes of play. He took advantage when Highlanders goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi and defenders miscommunicated. The striker calmly placed the ball into the net from close range. This loss brought sad news to Highlanders supporters, who had hoped for better results this season after years of disappointing performances from their once-dominant team.
Saturday saw more action when first-time premiership competitors Kwekwe United earned a 1-1 tie against former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Bata Stadium. Experienced forward Masimba Mambare came off the bench to score an important equalizer for Kwekwe. His contribution proved crucial to securing the point against more established opponents.
Ngezi Platinum Stars showed early strength, forcing Kwekwe United goalkeeper Elton Nechiware to make a critical save just four minutes into the match. Their pressure paid off when recent signing Karengesha Ashwin scored nine minutes into the game after Kwekwe defenders momentarily lost focus. Ngezi continued creating chances throughout the first half, nearly increasing their lead when striker Takunda Benhura missed an opportunity at nineteen minutes.
The first half ended with Ngezi Platinum ahead 1-0, but coach Saul Chaminuka made smart tactical changes for Kwekwe United during the break. His substitution of Mambare changed the game completely. The former Warriors player headed in a perfect cross at sixty-two minutes, bringing the scores level. The newcomers gained confidence after equalizing and created several more scoring chances.
Coach Chaminuka expressed happiness with his team's performance despite early nervousness. He noted how his players settled down after halftime and began creating problems for their opponents. Mambare received special praise for his impact on the match. The coach emphasized the importance of avoiding defeat in their first premier league appearance, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.
