Online Reporter
Sports Reporter/Kick Off
IN-FORM Scottland striker, Tymon Machope, who narrowly lost to former FC Platinum striker, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya in the race for the Warriors squad, sneaked into contention by grabbing a brace on the final weekend before the team’s departure.
And this happened in the eyes of senior national soccer team coach, Michael Nees as Dynamos beat Scottland 3-2 with Machope grabbing both goals for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League newcomers at Rufaro on Saturday.
The Warriors will resume their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with an away match against Benin today, to be played in the Cote d’Ivoire and then host Rwanda in a home match at Orlando Stadium in South Africa.
Head coach Nees announced his squad last week, notably omitting Tymon Machope initially.
Machope was later called up to replace an injured player, but Nees revealed that the forward’s initial exclusion was due to the impressive form of AmaZulu’s Ngwenya.
Ngwenya joined South African Premier Soccer League side, AmaZulu from FC Platinum in July and has made an immediate impact in KwaZulu-Natal, scoring two goals in his first five Betway Premiership appearances.
Speaking to ZIFA Media, Nees explained: “There was a tight call between Thando and Machope. Although Machope had a very good run, Thando has also been exceptional.
“Thando made a statement, and that’s the reaction you want as a coach from a player. Tymon also made a statement − you go to the game and he scores two goals. He shows the coach that you made a mistake. ‘Take me.’ And that’s a fact, so I didn’t hesitate.
“But we had to wait to check all the other players. Thando has done very well, and we hope he can continue with the same work with us.”
Machope has scored six goals in four Premiership matches for Scottland to move into second place on the Golden Boot race with 12 goals, one goal behind Washington Navaya of TelOne.
