Langton Nyakwenda and Monalisa John
SCOTTLAND are in grief and their camp is still in shock following the tragic death of Wicknell Chivayo, one of their biggest sponsors, but the reigning Premier Soccer League champions have an immediate task.
They face Bulawayo Chiefs in the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup quarter-final at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon.
Scottland are targeting victory in the country’s biggest cup competition, while also fighting to retain the league title. It feels like everyone at Scottland is indebted to Chivayo and a win against Bulawayo Chiefs would go a long way in honouring the businessman’s memory.
“We are still in shock. Wicknell was like a brother to me, I knew him for a very long time. May his soul rest in peace,” Scottland coach Norman Mapeza said.
Scottland team manager and Zimbabwe football legend Peter Ndlovu described Chivayo as one of the country’s biggest football sponsors.
The players feel obliged to honour Chivayo with victory against Chiefs.
“We just have to honour him with our performances on the pitch, starting with the match against Bulawayo Chiefs,” Scottland defender Albert Manenji said.
Going into the Chiefs tie, Scottland have received a big boost with the return of players from injury.
Emmanuel Jalai played for the Warriors and was also training with the team last week.
Veteran Knowledge Musona and forward Khama Billiat were also part of training in recent days.
Mapeza has not given away anything on players available for selection. But the presence of many star players also means he will have to make difficult decisions again, taking into consideration tough matches ahead in the league and the CAF Champions League.
With Hardrock, who are chasing a domestic treble, breathing down their necks, Scottland are aware they cannot drop the ball in any of their matches. Hardrock, on the other hand, host unpredictable Herentals at Chahwanda Stadium this afternoon in the other ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup quarter-final.
Kasongo Boys trail Scottland by a point in the league going into the final five games of the season.
They have also booked a place in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final.
Hardrock are banking on their strong support at Chahwanda Stadium, the most beautiful stadium in the Midlands.
On paper, Kasongo Boys are huge favourites to win this tie, but Herentals are a difficult opponent.
The Paul Benza-coached Herentals have been doing remarkably well in the league, but face a big task against Hardrock. To reach the quarter-finals, Herentals beat Ngezi Platinum Stars in the round of 16. Benza said they are no pushovers and have prepared well for the encounter.
“As a coach, I am very happy with how these players are doing and we look forward to the upcoming game,” he said.
“The players have been carrying themselves so well. It is definitely a challenging match, but we are glad that everything went on pretty well.”
Herentals will be without forward Eric Dombo through suspension, but they still have other options.
They can also rely on versatile player Ralph Kawondera, who has been tipped to be among the Soccer Star of the Year finalists.
“Erick Dombo is suspended, but we always give everyone a chance to play,” said Benza.
Herentals were finalists in the 2022 Chibuku Super Cup and believe the feat can be achieved in the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
“It is something that everyone is expecting will be a reality and everyone is motivated,” said Benza.
He called on supporters to come in their numbers.
“Come in numbers and rally behind the team; the support is very important,” said Benza.
“We need to make sure that we get the best result out of this game.”
