Tino Kadewere delivered a decisive attacking statement in Greece as Dynamos rediscovered winning form at home, while Highlanders were left searching for answers after another frustrating stalemate in a weekend that highlighted contrasting fortunes for Zimbabwean football across Europe and the domestic Premier Soccer League.
By Advent Shoko
From clinical finishing in Thessaloniki to missed chances in Bulawayo, Matchday 13 produced clear winners, costly lapses, and a tightening league table that is beginning to take shape.
Kadewere Double Sets Up Aris Clean Win In Greece
Zimbabwe international Tino Kadewere was the difference-maker off the bench, scoring twice as Aris Thessaloniki eased to a 3–0 victory over Levadiakos in the Greek Super League.
Introduced in the second half, Kadewere immediately changed the tempo of the match. He struck in the 63rd minute to break the deadlock before returning in the 79th minute to seal the result after a slick assist from Carles Pérez.
The win reflected Aris’ growing attacking depth, but it was Kadewere’s timing and movement inside the box that stood out, reinforcing his reputation as a striker who delivers when space opens up late in games.
Levadiakos struggled to recover after conceding the opener and ended the match reduced to 10 men following a second yellow card late on.
For Kadewere, the brace strengthens his case for more consistent starting opportunities as the season enters a decisive phase.
Dynamos Break Duration Winless With Dominant Showing
Back in Harare, Dynamos FC produced one of their most controlled performances of the season, beating Triangle United 3–0 at Rufaro Stadium.
The Glamour Boys struck early and never looked back, combining quick transitions with disciplined defensive organisation to take full control before halftime. By the break, Triangle were already chasing shadows.
The visitors’ hopes of a comeback were effectively ended when they missed a second-half penalty, a moment that summed up their afternoon of missed opportunities.
The result not only restores Dynamos’ momentum but also tightens their push in a congested top-half battle where margins remain thin.
There was also a significant post-match development, with reports indicating that Triangle United head coach Lloyd Chitembwe expressed frustration to club officials, suggesting he felt he had “failed as a coach” following the heavy defeat.
In an unprecedented response, the Triangle United executive is reportedly refusing to accept Chitembwe’s resignation, instead opting to give him an opportunity to rebuild the squad by recruiting his own players.
Highlanders Still Stuck In Draw Cycle
At Barbourfields Stadium, Highlanders FC were once again left frustrated after a 0–0 draw against Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Bosso had the clearer chances, particularly through Mongameli Tshuma, who came closest after a clever assist from Prince Ndlovu, but failed to convert in a match defined by tight defending and narrow margins.
Despite periods of pressure, Highlanders lacked cutting edge in the final third, a recurring issue that continues to cost them valuable points.
Ngezi Platinum Stars, meanwhile, executed a disciplined defensive game plan, earning a valuable away point in a fixture that demanded patience and structure.
Matchday 13 Results And League Impact
The weekend results reshaped the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League standings, with the title race continuing to tighten at the top.
- Dynamos 3–0 Triangle United
- Highlanders 0–0 Ngezi Platinum Stars
- MWOS 0–1 Herentals
- FC Hunters 0–1 Agama
- FC Platinum 1–? Chicken Inn
- TelOne 1–2 Manica Diamonds
- Simba Bhora 1–1 CAPS United
- Bulawayo Chiefs 0–2 Hardrock
- Scotland 0–0 ZPC Kariba
Newcomers Hardrock continue to lead the table on 27 points, level with CAPS United but ahead on goal difference. Ngezi Platinum Stars sit third on 23 points, while Scotland, Herentals, and Dynamos remain within touching distance.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League LOG Table After Matchday 13
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | F | A | Gd | Pts |
| 1 | Hardrock FC | 13 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 21 | 7 | 14 | 27 |
| 2 | Caps United FC | 13 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 27 |
| 3 | Ngezi Platinum Stars FC | 13 | 5 | 8 | O | 15 | 10 | 5 | 23 |
| 4 | Scottland FC | 13 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 22 |
| 5 | Herentals College FC | 13 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 17 | 14 | 3 | 22 |
| 6 | Dynamos FC | 13 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 21 |
| 7 | Simba Bhora FC | 13 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 20 |
| 8 | FC Platinum | 13 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 19 |
| 9 | Highlanders FC | 13 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 18 |
| 10 | MWOS FC | 13 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 18 |
| 11 | Chicken Inn FC | 13 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 10 | O | 18 |
| 12 | Bulawayo Chiefs FC | 13 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 11 | 13 | -2 | 15 |
| 13 | ZPC Kariba FC | 13 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 13 |
| 14 | FC Hunters | 13 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 17 | -10 | 10 |
| 15 | Manica Diamonds FC | 13 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 18 | -11 | 9 |
| 16 | Triangle United FC | 13 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 16 | -8 | 8 |
| 17 | Telone FC | 13 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 20 | -10 | 7 |
| 18 | Agama FC | 13 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 21 | -11 | 7 |
Reality Check As Season Pressure Builds
As the season progresses, a clear pattern is emerging: efficiency is separating contenders from challengers.
Dynamos are rediscovering control at the right moment, Highlanders remain trapped in a cycle of draws that feel increasingly costly, and surprise leaders Hardrock are rewriting expectations in a rapidly evolving title race.
Meanwhile in Europe, Kadewere’s double served as a reminder that Zimbabwean talent continues to deliver on bigger stages, even as the domestic game grows more unpredictable with each passing week.
Leave a Reply