Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 1
Yadah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
SCOTTLAND are not stopping at anything to make their Castle Lager Premiership a success.
On a day they unveiled former Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona as the latest mid-season acquisition, second half substitute Tymon Machope scored the only goal of the match, as the Mabvuku side eased to within a point of log leaders Simba Bhora.
The win brought Scottland back in the picture in the championship race after landing on second position with 43 points.
For the first time, they have managed to stitch together four wins on the trot, which represents a big boost ahead of the potential blockbuster against in-form FC Platinum at Mandava this weekend.
The platinum miners, who remain the only team unbeaten this season, have also burst into contention with a five match winning streak that ushered them into the top four.
But after seeing his side breaking the resistance by Yadah yesterday, Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya praised his side for turning around their fortunes.
Ndiraya admitted they did not get the win on a silver platter after deciding to rest some of their regular starters.
“Of course, I’m very excited that we are moving up. We are on an upward trajectory, and it’s very pleasing for the effort that the team has put in.
“But I think it was a very difficult game for us today, very difficult. Obviously, because we played four games in two weeks,” Ndiraya said.
“That’s really heavy for the players. We tried to add in some fresh legs. The team that we played today, some of the players have not seen much action.
“But we then had to revert back to those that we have largely used during the season. And that got us that goal. I am very happy that we collected maximum points in a very difficult match.
“I must give credit to Yadah; they really did well today. They played well. They were really pushing forward in numbers, really wanted this game. But in the end, we scored and defended our lead until the end.
“So, yeah, excited that we are moving up. Very excited and hopefully we can keep moving up.”
Scottland are indeed enjoying a purple patch. Before yesterday’s game, they had recorded victories over Ngezi Platinum Stars, Highlanders and Bikita Minerals.
The Mabvuku side toiled yesterday with chances few and far between at both ends of goal. Goalkeeper Shangiwa made some brilliant saves to deny Yadah.
His opposite number Tymon Mvula was also in complete control of his area. But the Miracle Boys were made to pay dearly for a defensive lapse midway through the second half when Machope, who had only been introduced a few minutes earlier, was given space inside the box before sending a low shot wide of the goalkeeper, for the only goal of the match.
Yadah were forced to make changes in their defence following the suspension of their reliable centre-back Takunda Vareta through suspension. Yadah coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe rued the defensive gaffe, as his side remained trapped in relegation zone.
“A bad day in the office. A bad day in the office. We conceded what I could call a soft goal. Three defenders against one striker. We can’t let a person go through. But unfortunately, it cost us again.
Teams:
Scottland: Kelvin Shangiwa, Garreth Madhake, Godknows Murwira, Albert Manenji, Kelvin Moyo, Vassili Kawe (M. Msebe, 53rd min), Frederick Ansa-Botchway, Nathan Mutasa (T. Machope, 53rd min), Terrence Dzvukamanja (M. Tapera, 78th min), Khuda Ike Myaba (W. Musona, 53rd min), Moses Shidolo (K. Mureremba, 69th min)
Yadah: Tymon Mvula, Ariel Makopa, Josiah Daka, Tanaka Chikumba (F. Mustafa, 46th min), Evans Rusike (R. Ncube, 88th min), Terence Maguranyanga, Luckson Ferenando, Emmanuel Chitauro, Shingirai Masukuta (V. Sango, 75th min), Mandlenkosi Mlilo (V. Musarurwa, 60th min), Innocent Mucheneka (J. Chipangura, 60th min)
