By Tatiana Mhararira
FC Wangu Mazodze won the Masvingo derby for the second time against Masvingo United FC on match day 29 at the home of football Mucheke Stadium on October 27.
Nicknamed the ‘Kingdom Boys’, FC Wangu Mazodze won 2-nil in the much anticipated match, maintaining its first position on the log table.
Derby matches have not been a walk in the park for the log leaders, with its first ever win against Masvingo United, known as Una Una being recorded on July 11, 2023 through a goal by Mac Sean Murambiwa in the second half.
Speaking to TellZim News, FC Wangu Mazodze Spokesperson, Blessing Kwesha said they were excited to have won the derby as the players demonstrated outstanding performance.
“We are very excited as a club from players, the technical team and the executive for winning Masvingo derby. Obviously a very important game of the season though we still have five more games ahead.
“The players demonstrated a classy performance since derbies are difficult to win but the Kingdom Boys delivered the three points which were our target for the game,” said Kwesha.
Kwesha said they were not blinded by the derby results and they were preparing for the next game with extra energy.
“We are not getting carried away by the derby win because it’s just three points so we need a couple more wins to get the Premier League promotion. Masvingo derby is over and we are now focused on our next game against FC Hunters at Rudhaka Stadium on Sunday November, 3 2024.
“Of course it’s another difficult game but the coaches and players, like they have done all season, are preparing well for the match with more energy than before,” said Kwesha.
Mazodze staunch supporter, Priscilla Uche Chikute said she was happy because of the team’s win as players defied all odds to win against Una Una.
“Winning this derby is a great achievement for the team since most of our rivals never expected us to win and it’s been difficult for us to beat Una Una even though it’s the second time. Mazodze have proved that when it comes to soccer we are one of the best.
“Our coach has worked tirelessly in making the team achieve the best result and back then Masvingo United FC has been well known for displaying best football but this derby was different,” said Chikute.
Chikute said they hoped for premier league promotion and appealed to relevant stakeholders for the renovation of Mucheke Stadium so that they will use it as their home ground.
“As a fan I appeal to relevant authorities to assist in the renovation of Mucheke stadium for the team to avoid travelling to other cities to play their home matches. Having the Premier League in Masvingo will allow the football lovers to enjoy better football besides Division 1 which we are used to now,” said Chikute.
Una Una players have been having salary grievances, and recently, the team failed to travel for a match due to financial constraints.
The Kingdom Boys are left with few away games against FC Hunters and Mutare City Rovers and the home games will be against the second log leaders Tenax FC, St Paul’s Musami FC and Surrey FC.
