Pfupajena Stadium was the place to be on Sunday

Chegutu Pirates vs. MWOS FC, Sunday, April 2, 2023

Pfupajena Stadium was the place to be on Sunday as MWOS FC went head-to-head against Chegutu Pirates in their Northern Region Soccer League opener. The encounter between the two teams is regarded as a derby, and thus, tensions were high, and the fans made a huge turnout to make the match an interesting one to watch.

Chegutu Pirates FC are regarded as one of the best teams in the NRSL and one of the favourites to win it. They have been in Division 1 for quite a number of years now, and they were definitely the favourites heading into the derby. MWOS FC, on the other hand, were making their debut and playing away to one of the giants of the league, a feat most thought they wouldn’t accomplish.

The first half of the encounter saw MWOS FC defying the odds and giving the home side a good run for their money. Within the first two minutes of the game, MWOS FC had already registered a shot on goal off the feet of team captain Marshal Kawashu. The first half was intense, as expected, and both teams showed determination and the need to dominate possession. MWOS FC winger Arthur Banda gave the Pirates defence a tough day at the office. He kept making runs on the right wing and delivering dangerous crosses into the box that resulted in MWOS FC’s forwards Jim Gwara and Jerry Makangire testing the Pirates’ goalkeeper on several occasions. The first half was undeserving of its scoreline as the referee blew for halftime with both teams having nothing on the scoreboard.

The last 45 minutes of the game provided a thrill for the fans, who had now filled Pfupajena Stadium to capacity. Pirates forced a spectacular save out of goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira, who, from close range, parried a very strong shot away from goal, much to the delight of the away fans. The second half was very physical, and the referee had to occasionally intervene to ensure the discipline of the players. MWOS FC hit the back of the net through Jim Gwara in the 79th minute after he made a beautiful strike following Lee Rinidamoto’s cross. Celebrations were however cut short after the assistant referee flagged Jim Gwara for offside. The game eventually ended in a stalemate, with the scoreline not coming close to describing the action that the fans had seen.

MWOS FC Head Coach, Wonder Ngoko, was pleased with the performance of the boys. Given that they were playing away to a very strong team, a draw was something to be proud of. Coach Wonder went on to express his satisfaction over the performances of veteran midfielder Chris Samakwere and the two in-form defenders, Jordan Pedro “Jaziri” and Admire Dzumbunu.

MWOS FC will face Shamva United on Friday, April 7, 2023, at MWOS Ngoni stadium in Norton for the second match of the league.