By Rangarirai Shanyurai
What seemed to be a fairy-tale run towards Premier Soccer League promotion ended in flames for Masvingo Division One side FC Wangu Mazodze, leaving supporters frustrated following the team’s failure to secure promotion.
After leading the Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) Division One league with 14 points for the greater part of the season, the “flamboyant outfit” surrendered the ticket to eventual winners Triangle United FC and ended the season in second position, though with similar points to the latter.
The Kingdom Boys, as they are popularly known, saw their PSL aspirations finally come to an end in the final game, following a 3-2 win against Surrey FC, while Triangle United FC won 1-0 against Rusitu Tigers.
Both teams played 32 matches, but Triangle United FC topped the table with 72 points and a superior 57-goal difference, while FC Wangu Mazodze followed with 72 points and 33 goals.
In 2023, FC Wangu Mazodze missed out on promotion after drawing with Renco Mine FC on the final day, while Tenax FC lost their chance for promotion to the PSL following a board decision that revealed they had fielded an unregistered player in their last match, allowing Bikita Minerals FC to secure promotion instead.
FC Wangu Mazodze fan Priscilla Uche Chikute expressed disappointment over the team’s failure to secure PSL promotion for the second time, urging players to improve despite past let-downs and criticisms.
“Honestly, I’m disappointed because the team failed to secure promotion to the PSL. Looking back, the team was leading with many points but fell short in the final moments. Despite this setback, the focus now shifts to the next season. I am encouraging players to step up for the next season so that we can secure promotion to the PSL.
“This is not the first time FC Wangu Mazodze has let us down; a similar situation occurred last season, and many believed we had fixed the issues. Those who wish to stop supporting Mazodze clearly do not care about the team, so they are welcome to leave. I will continue to support Mazodze, even if it means returning to Division Two because I love my team,” said Chikute.
Another fan, Desire Struggle Nyahunda, said football has three outcomes and the team performed well but got relaxed during the course of the race.
“Football has three results: a draw, a win, and a loss. The team played very well, and the race was tight during the second half of the season, and the team had its shortcomings. Our boys relaxed and were too comfortable with the 14-point gap. All other teams were fighting to defeat or stop the log leaders. However, we fought a good fight, and there is always another day to fight.
“Football is a competition, and all 18 teams wanted to be promoted. Last season we finished at number three, but this season we are at number two, and we lost on goal difference. This tells us where we are going,” said Nyahunda.
Another Zhalala Zhululu supporter, Ruth Mapiye, said football is unpredictable but she expressed hope that they would shine in the future as a team.
“As loyal supporters of the Kingdom Boys, we appreciate the outcome of the results. We had high hopes of advancing to the PSL, unfortunately, things did not unfold in our favor. However, we understand that football is unpredictable, and every match brings its share of surprise.
“Despite this setback, my dedication to the team remains unwavering. I will not lose hope, for we believe that our team will rise to the top someday. Our unwavering loyalty and support will drive Mazodze forward, and we will achieve greatness,” said Mapiye.
FC Wangu Mazodze Spokesperson Richard Kwesha issued a statement expressing deep gratitude to sponsors, stakeholders, and supporters for their dedication to the 2024 season, despite falling short of PSL promotion, and announced continued support for 2025.
“The Zhalala Zhululu brand wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed sponsors, the Dr. R W Mazodze Family Trust, stakeholders, executive, technical team, players, and our devoted supporters for their unwavering dedication and determination throughout the 2024 season.
“Although we fell short of our ultimate goal of promotion to the PSL, we showcased remarkable resilience and a fighting spirit that made us proud.
“We’re delighted to announce that our sponsors have pledged their continued support, ensuring Zhalala Zhululu will return stronger and more determined in the 2025 season.
“As the term of the current executive will come to an end soon, we thank them for their service as they hand over to the new team,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the loyal supporters who vowed to support the team despite the disappointment.
“Our true supporters are, of course, disappointed but they have made it clear that they are committed for the long haul. Those who claim they are leaving the club never truly belonged to it, considering that Masvingo United spent 14 years in Division 1 yet still has loyal supporters,” he said.
