By Tatiana Mhararira
Masvingo United FC known as Una Una in football circles pulled a significant upset by defeating FC Hunters ending its unbeaten streak with a 1-nil win at the home of football Mucheke stadium on June 18, 2025.
The solitary goal by Adam ‘Killer’ Tende in the 90th minute was enough to secure the victory, marking a significant upset in the Eastern Region Soccer League by dislodging the former log leaders to second position in the league standings.
FC Hunters nicknamed the Clever Boys had been on a remarkable run remaining undefeated in the previous games with 9 Wins and 2 draws and the lose gave room to Tenax FC to climb to the top of the table.
Speaking to TellZim News Masvingo United Spokesperson, Omen Mafa said they were happy with the win and looked forward to maintain the winning streak.
“We are happy we collected three points against FC Hunters one of the strongest side in the league and we made them to record their first lose which is worth to celebrate.
“We are confident we are on the right track to Premier Soccer League (PSL). As we are preparing for our next game against Manica Diamonds U19 we are taking each game seriously as we increase our hopes for PSL, ”said Mafa.
Una Una’s recent perfomances have shown promise with the team winning their last two fixtures. They will look to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign.
FC Hunters Team Manager Liberty Mudandaureni said they had a great time at Mucheke Stadium and they drew lessons from the loss.
“We had a great time despite having received a negative result. We have not gone too far from the PSL hopes. In football there are only three results after a game win, draw and lose so as the Clever Boys we don’t have to lose hope. The game gave us room to see our weaknesses and to correct errors in future.
Mudandaureni acknowledged the teams’ weaknesses of failing to capitalize on opportunities in their hands.
“We wasted our scoring opportunities as we failed to score and Masvingo United utilized their last minute chance and won the game.
“As we prepare for our next game against our rivals Tenax FC.It is going to be a tough game because we are both looking forward on winning the ERSL title this season,” said Madandaureni.
The Clever Boys parted ways with their coach John Nyikadzino who joined Bulawayo Chiefs in the Southern Region Soccer League recently and Clifford Dzvairo is the club’s new head coach.
The loss by FC Hunters was a harsh reminder that the season is still young and teams like Masvingo United are hungry for success. The match also highlighted the competitive nature of the ERSL where any team can rise to the challenge on any given day.
Meanwhile, FC Wangu Mazodze fell 2-1 to Tongogara United at Ratings Stadium. Tongogara United got goals from Perfect Khosa and Isee Mazora extending their winning streak against top teams at their home ground and FC Wangu Mazodze got a goal from Takudzwa Nyamama and now they have 15 points from 11 games.
Currently Tenax FC is on top of the table with 31 points followed by FC Hunters with 29 points and Masvingo United is on position three with 26 points with a game in hand against FC Wangu Mazodze.
FC Hunters’ next game will play against the log leaders Tenax FC at Chisamba Stadium in Marondera and Masvingo United will face Manica Diamonds U19 which is in the bottom three.
