WHAWHA Prison was synonymous with torture, restriction and grief during pre-independence Zimbabwe.
The mention of Whawha to any freedom fighter ignites sad memories of a brutal Smith regime that was removed from power through the barrel of the gun.
Today, Whawha has a new meaning.
It’s now a fountain of sporting excellence as Luke ‘Jukulile’ Petros delivered the Premiership to the small community in Whawha.
Whawha is located about 23km east of Gweru along Mvuma Road.
The team is made up of prison wardens just like Flame Lily in the World Navi Northern Region Division One Soccer League. Flame Lily are on the verge of clinching the title as they occupy top position on the log with four games before the season ends. They enjoy a one point lead ahead of Gunners.
Petros, a former Silo United coach has guaranteed the Gweru community of premiership action even if Chapungu are relegated. They will probably use Ascot Stadium as home.
The confirmation of Whawha means Midlands State University lads will have to wait for another season to get promotion into the Premiership. However, the criteria will have changed as a series of changes are in the pipeline.
In the Eastern Region Division One Soccer League, the title race is now a two-horse one between Buffalo Junior and Mutare City Rovers.
Buffalo have amassed 59 points from 26 games while Mutare City Rovers are one point shy of the log leaders. There are four games before the season ends in the Eastern Region and Buffalo Junior need to hold their nerve to clinch the title.
It’s a dog-eat-dog affair in the Southern Region Division One Soccer League as four teams are vying for the sole ticket into the top flight. Three teams are on 45 points Technosphere, Tsholotsho and Blackboots are separated by goal difference. Plumtree Chiefs are still in the race though two points behind the three teams.
Plumtree Chiefs formerly Bulawayo Chiefs sold their franchise to Bantu Rovers. However, Bantu have been relegated from the top flight.
After 360 minutes of play (four games) the title winners will be known. Any team that falters at this crucial stage might not bounce back.
As the norm, the promoted teams might fire the entire team who were in the trenches in Division One and secure the services of players from relegated teams. The routine has affected the development of soccer as players are recycled each passing year.