Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR years, Everson Chatambudza’s main mission was to try and ensure that Yadah Stars would survive relegation.
For eight years, somehow, against all odds, he managed to do that until the Miracle Boys went down last year.
Now, he has been thrust into a different role where the demands are high and the mission is to be champions.
This is not just about the domestic landscape, it’s about trying to make an impression on the continent too. Scottland will feature in their maiden CAF Champions League campaign later this year.
Mabviravira have also roped in revered coach Norman Mapeza – a four-time winner of the championship. Warriors legend, Peter Ndlovu, is also now the team manager.
“I come in at a time when a lot is expected at Scottland,” said Chatambudza, who is a Harare lawyer.
“When you join a team that has just won the championship, obviously, you are expected to maintain the momentum or go a notch higher and in this case it means doing well in Africa.”
With Scottland set to kick-start their title defence against the top-flight’s latest moneybags and debutants Hardrock on March 7, the build-up to the new season is getting exciting as fans anticipate the mouth-watering clash.
A week earlier, Scottland will have played Dynamos in the Castle Challenge Cup at Rufaro.
The Challenge Cup pits the league champions against winners of the Chibuku Super Cup.
Scottland spent three weeks in South Africa and also played Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs in an international friendly, as part of their preparations for the upcoming season.
Although Mabviravira lost that match 0-2, Chatambudza doesn’t believe that result should be used as a barometer to judge Scottland.
“From the reports I am getting from the technical team, the boys are doing well.
“Let’s not talk about the result against Nsingizini, it was part of preparations and I can tell you preparations are going on well.”
He expects a riveting 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship race.
He is also happy with how teams are transforming themselves in the digital era.
“We need to move with times. As clubs we need to attract more sponsors.
“When it comes to technology, at Scottland we are trying our best. I can’t say we are there but we are trying.
“We are talking of a football club that was formed two years ago but we are already topping on the number of followers on platforms like Facebook.
“We are not exactly where we want to be but we are pulling in the right direction.
“A lot has happened at Scottland and we keep improving.
“The coming in of teams like MOWS has also changed the whole landscape. Look at what they have been doing on the market.”
Gone are the days of small teams in the PSL, reckons Chatambudza.
“Scottland and MOWS were first and second last season but they both came from Division One.
“Our league has become more competitive because a lot has changed,” added Chatambudza.
Scottland have added a number of foreign players as they eye a good performance in the 2026/2027 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League. Kenyan Joshua Onyango, Kwake Thwala of Eswatini and Ghanaian centreback Mohammed Issaka are some of the new faces at Scottland.
Former Dynamos ‘keeper Prince Tafiremutsa and 2025 Soccer Star of the Year second runner-up Emmanuel Ziocha are also now at Mabviravira.
