Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
OUTSTANDING Scottland defender Kevin Moyo may have missed out on the big Soccer Star of the Year accolade, but there is still much to fight for.
The defender, who has pledged to double his efforts and aim for greater heights after finishing runner-up to TelOne’s Washington Navaya, could still create his own great path.
However, that will depend on him being included in the final squad for the Warriors squad set for AFCON finals in Morocco this month.
If that happens, it will be a big consolation for a player who was favourite to win the top accolade last Friday, but simply did not get the highest votes.
Although the accolade may have slipped away, Kevin gives the impression that his commitment to collective glory with Scotland is stronger than ever.
“I want to say thank you for the endless support and the belief they have in me,” he said.
“They must keep on supporting me and pushing me. I promise them to work extra hard and stay disciplined.”
On AFCON, he said: “It’s an honour to be part of the Warriors squad. It’s the ultimate glory I can say. I am just trying to stay focused and show the coach and his technical team my capabilities.
“If all goes well on my side, then I will have a chance to fight for the badge once more.”
The Warriors are in tough Group B, where they are expected to clash with neighbours South Africa, Angola and seven-time African champions Egypt.
Preparations for the tournament, under coach Marian Marinica, was divided into two phases. The first has featured local-based players and a few foreign-based players. With the shift in dates that foreign-based players will be released, the more established foreign-based players will only join after December 15.
Marinica will then get his final squad from the two different groups.
Given there were a total of 56-players selected as the provisional squad, and with the majority of the final squad expected from the foreign-based players, Kevin’s chances, or that of any other player, are not so bright.
But apart from the AFCON, the focus for the Scottland defender will also be on the potential CAF Champions League appearance.
And Scottland are expected to make wholesale changes as they gear up for a debut dance in the CAF Champions League.
Moyo is hoping he will stay put at the club and fight for his place.
“I am still contracted to Scotland for now,” he said. “And my wish is to continue with the team, work hard again, and cement my position.”
His ambitions for the upcoming season are clear.
“As a club we have to try and defend our league title. There is also the CAF Champions League coming. I hope and pray that I will be part of the team.”
Reflecting on the just-ended season, he pointed at a key moment that shaped the whole campaign.
“It has to be the good run we had of going for eight games without losing,” he said. “I think that was the biggest turnaround for us as a team.”
