Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND coach Norman Mapeza has described the international break as a blessing for his battle-weary players following Saturday’s commanding 3-0 victory over Agama at the National Sports Stadium.
The defending champions returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, barely three days after Hardrock knocked them out of the Chibuku Super Cup.
However, Mapeza revealed that fatigue and minor muscular injuries were beginning to take their toll on his players following a congested programme that has seen Scottland juggle domestic and CAF Champions League commitments.
Several Scottland players are also expected to join their respective national teams during the international break.
“You can tell that fatigue is starting to creep in,” said Mapeza.
“After the warm-up, I could see that some of the guys did not look good. Even from the way we started the second half, you could tell that some of them were struggling.
“This break is a blessing for the guys. I will give them a few days to rest and then we will see what happens in the next phase.
“They need to rest. It is very important.”
Mapeza was forced to adjust his defensive line after Peter Muduhwa and Nixon Nyasulu developed groin and muscular problems.
“We made some adjustments again. We brought in Mohamed (Issa) because Peter had a groin problem, while Nixon was also experiencing what looked like a muscular injury,” he said.
“Most of the guys have these small injuries because of the number of matches we have played.
“But I was happy with the back four and the changes we made.”
Scottland took a two-goal advantage into the second half before they came to seal the game in the second half.
“There were areas we needed to improve in the second half, but, overall, I was satisfied. We needed this result, especially after the setback in the cup.”
While the break provides an opportunity for recovery, Mapeza said Scottland still had work to do as they prepare for the next phase of their campaign, including their CAF Champions League assignment against Petro de Luanda.
Mapeza was delighted by Nelson Chadya’s heroics registering his 21st clean sheet, a historic most clean sheet record on the local scene. But he said credit should also be given to the players who play in front of him.
“We can talk about him, yes, but we have to mention first the players in front of him.”
Scottland are now on 61 points, a point above their rivals Hardrock.
