Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR a long time, many football fans and analysts were clamouring for his inclusion in the national team.
Now that he has been given the chance to finally wear the Warriors jersey, Abubakar Moffat is promising to repay the faith shown in him by national team coach Kaitano Tembo.
The Scottland star midfielder is part of the Warriors cast which left Harare for United Kingdom yesterday to participate in the Unity Cup that runs from May 26-30 at the Valley Stadium in London.
Moffat is one of the three home-based players in a full strength national team that also sees the return of Paris FC midfielder Marshall Munetsi.
The others are Highlanders star linkman Mongameli Tshuma and ZPC Kariba keeper Future Sibanda.And Moffat feels this a great opportunity for the local stars to shine and grab the opportunity.
The squad has respected central midfielders including skipper Marvelous Nakamba but there are many who feel it’s Moffat’s chance to change the pecking order.
The Mufakose bred star first caught attention when he played for MWOS in the second half of last season’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Despite featuring in limited games, Moffat still managed to win a place among the 2025 Soccer Stars of the Year. “I’m feeling good because it’s an opportunity that I’ve been waiting for and I’ve been working hard to get. So, finally, the opportunity has arrived and I’m so grateful and I just want to thank God for the opportunity.
“I’m so excited to start my journey with the national team.”
Moffat credits his development to Scottland coach Norman Mapeza and his previous gaffer at MWOS Lloyd Mutasa.
He has played 12 out of Scottland’s 13 games this season. “Playing for Scottland has helped me a lot in terms of building my confidence and staying fit, you know. “Although things are not going the way that we want at Scottland, we are working hard on improving and trying to win each and every game that we play. It’s been great working under coach Mapeza and I’m so grateful to work under him.
“I have to adapt to certain things because, you know, each and every coach has their own philosophy. I think I’ve adjusted to his type of play, for me, personally, it benefits me a lot in terms of, you know, being a playmaker.
“Or in terms of passing the ball, because of his philosophy, I think, he is one coach that likes to build up from the back.”
He added: “Playing for Scottland, I mean, is something that even improved me a lot, you know.
“Scottland are trying by all means to make players feel like real professionals.”
The powerful midfielder played for lower league teams in Spain before retracing his foots back home.
He played for MWOS last year before moving to Scottland. His coach Mapeza has been impressed by his work rate and discipline.
“I wish him all the best, he is a very good young man, he listens to instructions and doesn’t answer back mostly. I hope his call-up will also open doors for other Scottland players as well,” said Mapeza.
