Patience Muchemwa
Senior Reporter
City SC Juniors, led by Zimbabwean-born head coach Tapiwa Manungo, have clinched a remarkable league title with 34 points, wrapping up the season with an impressive record of 11 wins and 1 draw from 12 matches. Their unbeaten performance secured them the top spot, leaving Borussia Del Mar Soccer Club in second place with 30 points—a testament to City SC's dominance throughout the campaign.
In an exclusive interview with Zim Now, an elated Manungo expressed pride in the team’s achievement.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic, not just for myself but especially for the boys, who have had an incredible season,” he said.
“To go unbeaten is such a rare and remarkable achievement, and it speaks volumes about their dedication, consistency, and teamwork. Every time they stepped on the field, they showed up with commitment, pushing each other to be better. I feel incredibly privileged to coach such disciplined and selfless young men who genuinely work for each other. This victory isn’t just about winning a title; it’s a testament to their resilience, character, and growth as players and people. It’s a moment that makes me deeply proud as their coach.”
The title not only caps off a perfect season but also underscores the team’s growth and adaptability. Manungo reflected on the challenge of introducing a “build-from-the-back” playing style early in the season, noting that the team initially struggled to break through opposition lines and maintain possession under pressure. However, as the season progressed, they adapted, improving their positioning and movement.
“One of our biggest challenges throughout the season was implementing a ‘build-from-the-back’ approach,” Manungo explained.
“Early on, we struggled to break through the opposition’s lines and keep possession under pressure. But over time, the team’s understanding of positioning and movement improved. Our midfielders began recognizing opportunities in the half-spaces, which gave us a crucial edge in moving the ball forward. They became more comfortable playing between the lines and making quick, smart decisions under pressure. The team’s ability to adapt and grow together helped us turn a weakness into a strength by season’s end.”
Looking ahead, Coach Manungo is eager to build on the team’s success, with plans to refine their style of play and further develop the players' technical and tactical skills.
“Going into next season, my primary goal is to build on this success by fine-tuning our style and enhancing each player’s technical and tactical understanding. We’ll focus on diversifying our attacking options, improving decision-making in high-pressure situations, and strengthening our defensive structure.
"I also want to continue fostering a positive team culture where players support each other, stay motivated, and push themselves to new heights. While we aim to defend our title, our bigger goal is to keep growing as a cohesive, resilient team ready to face any challenge.”
With a solid foundation and a coach focused on growth and unity, City SC Juniors appear poised for continued success in seasons to come.
Audrey Galawu- Assistant EditorAs the world commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, a growing call for accountability resonates louder than ever. While progress has been achiev..
ZimbabweMunyaradzi Mashiri- Court CorrespondentA Doves Life Assurance cashier has appeared in court for allegedly stealing US$22 385 from the company.Cuthbert Musimwa, 21, of Chief Seke, appeared before the..
ZimbabwePatience Muchemwa- Senior ReporterJane Chikwature, a 46-year-old single mother, has built a thriving horticulture farming business, defying societal norms that often discourage women from pursuing a..
Zimbabwe
Leave Comments