Masvingo United Football Club hopes of clinching the 2025 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League title were dashed after a goalless draw against Manica Diamonds U19 at Mucheke Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
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‎By Faith Ndou
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‎Una Una needed a win to keep them alive in the championship race going into next weekend’s season finale games.
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‎If they had won they would have been on 63 points, three behind FC Hunters who dismissed Tenax CS FC at Rudhaka Stadium in another top of the table clash.
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‎It would have made things interesting in the final day where Una Una face Tenax CS FC.
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‎However it was not to be as a determined Manica Diamonds U19 FC played the party spoilers.
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‎The reverse fixture had seen Manica Diamonds U19 being thrashed by Masvingo United FC 5-0 at Chisamba Stadium but this time, it was a different story.
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‎The Week 29 match began with high intensity, as Masvingo United FC came close to scoring early on when Agrippa Murimba struck the crossbar.
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‎Both sides pressed hard but the first half ended goalless.
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‎In the second half, both goalkeepers made crucial saves with Masvingo United FC creating more chances but failing to convert.
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‎Despite dominating possession, the home side couldn’t find the back of the net.
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‎The result sees Masvingo United FC move to second place with 61 points, while Tenax CS FC, who lost 2-1 to FC Hunters, has 61 points as well but an inferior goal difference keeps them above.
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‎The Marondera-based side’s win confirmed them as the 2025 league champions, taking an unassailable 66 points into the final match week.
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‎Fans packed Mucheke Stadium in anticipation of a title deciding win, with dignitaries in attendance including the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province Honourable Ezra Chadzamira and Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League board member Simbarashe Mandishona.
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‎Speaking after the match, Masvingo United FC team manager Josiah Chekecheke said,”We failed to convert the chances we had. It wasn’t an easy game but one we needed to win. We now shift our focus to the final match against Tenax. Today officially ends our title race and we congratulate FC Hunters for their success.”
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‎Manica Diamonds U19 Head Coach Hibron Makukutu praised his side’s performance. “The boys followed our game plan well. Holding a title chasing team to a draw shows great development. Our objective is talent growth, and this result is a massive morale booster going into the last match.”
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‎Makukutu added they are not concerned about their final fixture against FC Wangu Mazodze. “We will play with confidence. This result speaks volumes.”
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‎With just one game remaining, Masvingo United FC will now focus on finishing the season strong while Manica Diamonds U19 celebrate a hard fought point that brings them closer to safety.
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‎As emotions settle at Mucheke, the 2025 season nears its dramatic close with lessons learnt, dreams deferred and hope carried into the next chapter.