HARARE – Football giants Highlanders began their 2025 premiership season on a false start, losing 0-1 away to premiership newboys MWOS in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Match Day 1 clash played at Baobab stadium on Sunday.
Fellow giants Dynamos played out a goalless draw against ZPC Kariba at Rufaro.
In the match played at Baobab, Salif Cheya pounced on a defensive mix-up between Highlanders goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi and his backline, calmly slotting the ball into the net from close range just after the hour mark.
The defeat would come as bad news to the Highlanders faithful who are hoping for a change of fortune this time following a barren campaign in years by a legendary side that has conquered domestic football many times in its heyday.
Meanwhile, in Match Day 1 game played on Saturday, premiership debutants Kwekwe United secured a well-deserved 1-1 draw against former champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars at Bata Stadium.
Veteran forward Masimba Mambare rose from the bench to snatch a crucial equaliser for his paymasters.
Ngezi Platinum Stars were first to settle forcing a crucial 4th minute save by Kwekwe United’s goalkeeper, Elton Nechiware.
The platinum miners were soon rewarded when new signing, Karengesha Ashwin got the opener 9 minutes into the clash when Kwekwe United defenders momentarily went to sleep.
Ngezi continued to threaten and with better luck, striker Takunda Benhura could have doubled their advantage in the 19th minute but failed.
The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Ngezi Platinum.
The second half saw coach Saul Chaminuka’s tactical changes pay off for Kwekwe United with the introduction of Mambare proving to be worthwhile after he former Warriors players got the equaliser in the 62nd minute, heading in a well-placed cross to level scores.
Chaminuka expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance.
“I think it was a good result. But again, it’s a game that we could have taken,” Chaminuka said.
“In the first half, the boys were a little jittery playing at this stage for the first time. But in the second half, we started playing, running and creating some anxious moments for the opponent, hence the equaliser.”
Chaminuka also praised Mambare’s influence and expressed hope for a promising season ahead.
“After the equaliser, we could have scored even two or three more. It’s important not to lose the first game of the season, especially if you are playing in the Premier Soccer League for the first time,” he said.
