MWOS FC coach Lloyd Mutasa says the electric atmosphere experienced at Ngoni Stadium on Easter Monday in their first game at the renovated facility reminded him of his playing days at Dynamos.
Ironically, MWOS FC took on struggling Harare giants Dynamos in their homecoming match, and won 1-0 courtesy of a Claude Mapoka second half goal.
The Punters are enjoying a dream start in their debut season in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League as they top the standings after seven matches.
A huge crowd of close to 10 000 fans thronged the newly-refurbished Ngoni Stadium for the historic match.
“It reminds me of our days when we used to play for Dynamos. We used to play in front of such crowds,” Mutasa said.
“You would always want to be one of the stars on such an occasion and we got some (stars) today.”
DeMbare used to pack Rufaro Stadium to the rafters during the time when Mutasa was still a player, which created an intimidating atmosphere for the opponents.
Dynamos assistant coach Mark Mathe was full of praise for the atmosphere at Ngoni Stadium.
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“It was marvellous atmosphere. This is good for the game,” he said.
“It’s good for advertising our game. It’s good for the people of Norton.
“However, we just hope that such stadiums will be dotted around all provinces. So, yeah, it’s good also for development of the young players.”
MWOS FC have been one of the most supported team in the topflight league despite using Baobab Stadium as their home until their last game.
The Norton-based club have won all four of their home matches in the league, three of them at Baobab and will now be difficult to beat in Norton.
In fact, Monday’s win ensured MWOS FC continue their unbeaten record at Ngoni Stadium, which dates back to 2023.
Mutasa revealed the secret behind the impressive performances of his players, especially in home matches.
“These youngsters, we gave them our profile, we told them that great stars come from somewhere, and if you give a good shift, one day you want to be a Peter Ndlovu.
“You want to do what Peter did, you want to do what Marvellous Nakamba did. These youngsters are very motivated by the boys who are going outside these days,” the Punters mentor said.
“We were telling these boys that we don’t remember us losing a match here at Ngoni Stadium.
“I think the whole of last year, we never lost a match in this stadium, and we say it to the point, if you look at the generation, you look at the players that were there before, and the zeal that you have this time, I want to believe that you can do better, and doing better is what they did today.”
MWOS FC sit at the top of the standings with 17 points from seven matches, three ahead of nearest rivals Simba Bhora and Ngezi Platinum Stars.
This weekend, they visit Wadzanayi Stadium for a date with champions Simba Bhora.
