Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND coach Norman Mapeza hopes his side can draw a line under a difficult and emotional week when the Castle Lager Premiership leaders resume their title charge with a tricky away assignment against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga this afternoon.
The Mabvuku outfit heads into the encounter determined to protect its slender lead at the summit as the championship race increasingly appears to be a two-horse contest with Hardrock.
Scottland lead the standings with 61 points, just one ahead of second-placed Hardrock, who host Bulawayo Chiefs at Chahwanda today.
The gap has been dramatically reduced after Hardrock’s impressive run of form, which has seen them cut a seven-point deficit to a single point over the past seven rounds.
With only five matches remaining, every point has become precious.
Mapeza acknowledged the significance of the challenge awaiting his men in Kariba, where they face a ZPC side fighting to avoid relegation.
The hosts sit on 29 points and occupy the last safe position above the drop zone.
“It’s not going to be an easy game,” said Mapeza.
“We are now moving towards the end of the season, and all the teams in the league are fighting for different objectives.
“As for us, everybody knows our position, and it’s not the time to drop points. As much as it’s going to be a difficult game, we have to go there with a positive mindset and get a positive result.”
The four-time championship-winning coach believes Scottland received a timely morale boost after edging Bulawayo Chiefs in a penalty shoot-out to reach the next round of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup last weekend.
“What was important was for us to progress to the next stage, and I’m happy we managed to do that,” said Mapeza.
“In terms of morale, that win also brought something positive to the players. So, I’m more than happy.
“The transition from league football to cup football is always different. League games are about collecting points, while cup games are about progressing to the next stage, which is exactly what we did.
“Now we have to shift our attention back to the league because league games require a different approach.”
Scottland have also been attempting to regroup following the death of club benefactor Wicknell Chivayo, who perished in a helicopter crash together with his wife, Lucy Muteke.
Mapeza admitted the tragedy had deeply affected the club.
“Last week was very difficult for all of us after receiving the sad news about Sir Wicknell,” he said.
“He was one of us and one of our biggest sponsors. It’s a void that will be very difficult to fill.
“May their souls rest in peace. Our thoughts remain with the Chivayo family, relatives and everyone who was close to them.”
The veteran coach also appealed to the club’s supporters to continue backing the team during the decisive final stretch of the campaign.
“We always go out there to make our supporters happy, whether it’s a cup game or a league game,” said Mapeza.
“It is our responsibility to give a good performance whenever we take to the field. They have supported us throughout the season, and I hope their support will help us get a positive result.”
Team manager Peter Ndlovu echoed those sentiments, insisting the focus was firmly on collecting maximum points despite the long trip to Kariba.
“It’s a long journey, but what is important is how we prepare and how we approach the game,” said Ndlovu.
“We have prepared positively and at this stage we don’t care how we win. Every game counts. Even if it’s 1-0, three points are what matter.”
Meanwhile, Hardrock will be hoping Scottland stumble in Kariba as they seek to continue their remarkable late-season surge.
The gold miners have won six successive league matches and head into today’s clash against Bulawayo Chiefs full of confidence despite suffering a Munhumutapa Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat to Herentals last week.
Coach Kelvin Kaindu, however, is refusing to take anything for granted.
“Every game is different,” said Kaindu.
“Football is a game of pressure, and every day brings its own challenges. It’s another different ball game coming from a defeat.
“We are an attacking team and every game is important, especially at this stage of the season when we are approaching the final stretch.”
Fixtures:
Today: Herentals v MWOS (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v FC Platinum (Luveve), AGAMA v FC Hunters (Wadzanayi), Mani-ca Diamonds v TelOne (Sakubva), Hardrock v Bulawayo Chiefs (Chahwanda), ZPC Kariba v Scottland (Nyamhunga).
Tomorrow: CAPS United v Simba Bhora (Rufaro).
