Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda at Rufaro
KHAMA Billiat finally broke his duck — but even his trademark header wasn’t enough to silence a storm brewing in the Rufaro stands.
Scottland’s bright start to the season took a dent on Saturday after a 1-1 draw with Yadah, triggering a fiery backlash from some visibly intoxicated fans who turned their ire on coach Tonderai Ndiraya.
Chants of “Ndiraya must go!” echoed around the stadium as supporters vented their frustration over what many saw as two precious points dropped.
The game had started with promise. Billiat, the marquee signing, lit up Rufaro with a 27th-minute bullet header from a Panashe Mutimbanyoka cross — his first goal of the season. In a show of class, the former Warriors star refused to celebrate against his old club.
But just before halftime, Yadah’s Francis Mustafa burst the Scottland bubble with a well-taken equaliser, setting the stage for a tense second half.
And the heat was on.
“It’s a point gained, not two lost,” Ndiraya insisted. “Out of a possible 18, we’re on 11. That’s a good start. We have a long way to go.”
Yet, sections of the Mabvuku faithful weren’t buying it — demanding more from a squad boasting Billiat, Walter Musona, Tichaona Chipunza and defensive enforcer Peter Muduhwa.
Ndiraya tried to rally his troops and the fans:
“Of course, we’ve got good players, but just having quality isn’t enough if we don’t play as a team. We’re in the process of getting the group to gel. Probably after Match Day 10, we’ll be talking about a different Scottland.”
Despite late chances — including a near-miss header from Billiat and a dramatic goal-line clearance to deny Anotidaishe Gwatidzo — neither side could find the winner.
“In the critical phase of the game, we conceded a goal we should’ve avoided,” admitted Ndiraya. “And the subs didn’t give us what we were looking for.”
Yadah coach Ikabort Masocha was all smiles.
“It’s a positive result for us, especially after the loss in Chisumbanje,” he said. “We needed to add to our tally and move away from the relegation zone.”
Off the pitch, the VIP section oozed glitz, with Zimdancehall kingpin Killer T spotted among the crowd — but it was the drama on the field and in the stands that stole the spotlight.
Scottland now sit on 11 points — two behind leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars, who stumbled to a 2-1 defeat to TelOne.
Match Day 6 is done. The pressure is just getting started.
