-as they clinch Pacific Storm ERSL title with match to spare
Faith Ndou
Marondera based side FC Hunters have officially been crowned the 2025 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League champions after defeating Tenax Correctional Services Football Club 2-1 in a top of the table decisive Week 29 clash at Rudhaka Stadium this afternoon.
The victory sealed FC Hunters place at the summit of the table with 66 points, a lead that can no longer be overturned, with a single fixture remaining.
FC Hunters becomes the first team from Marondera Municipality to play in the top flight league in the history of the farming town.
The breakthrough came with a moment of brilliance from Nicholas Nyamandu, who scored a stunner in the 40th minute.
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‎A quick interchange of passes saw Trust Masawi lay the ball into space on the left flank, roving fullback Denzel Murape flighted in a cross that Nyamandu controlled with his chest before spiraling and hitting a volley that sailed into the top corner, giving Sam Bumbate no chance at all.
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‎Clifford Dzvairo made the first change, bringing on veteran striker Ngandu Mangala for goal-scorer Nicholas Nyamandu.
‎hey began to mount attacks, piling up the pressure as they sought to kill off the game.
‎ne long ball cut through the Tenax back, who were now resorting to a high line as they were in equalizer-searching mode.
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‎Mangala made a darting run, got to the ball just inside the box, and as he was about to open fire, Shingayi Sithole brought him down, and Persuade Mandiki did not hesitate to point to the spot, awarding the home side a penalty in the 70th minute.
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‎Godfrey Dabgwa, the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League top goal scorer, stepped up and slotted in his 18th goal of the season, making him arguably one of the most lethal forwards in the country.
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‎Two-nil down, away, is typically game over, but Tenax did not throw in the towel.
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‎Two minutes after Dabgwa’s goal, they were awarded a penalty after skipper Kanisio Marimazhira brought down Clarence Mbauya inside the box.
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‎Mbauya stepped up and coolly drilled it in his 12th goal of the season.
Their closest rivals, Masvingo United FC dropped vital points after settling for a 0-0 draw at Mucheke Stadium against Manica Diamonds U19 FC effectively ending their title hopes.
Masvingo United FC now sit on 62 points with Tenax trailing on 61.
With promotion now secured, FC Hunters are set to join the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League next season, marking a historic achievement for the club and its supporters.
Title Race Recap
The race for the championship had been a thrilling three horse contest involving FC Hunters, Masvingo United FC and Tenax CS FC.
Heading into the final two rounds, only two points separated the top three. However, FC Hunters’ composed performance under pressure saw them emerge as deserving champions.
Looking Ahead
While FC Hunters celebrate promotion, Masvingo United and Tenax CS FC will reflect on missed opportunities, especially in a tightly contested league where a single goal could have changed everything.
The final round of matches will now be played for pride as FC Hunters prepare to lift the trophy and shift focus to life in the topflight.
In the final fixtures of the season, FC Hunters will play Deportivo La Murambinda at Uhera while Tenax CS FC hosts Masvingo United FC in Mutare next week.
