Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
NORMAN Mapeza’s first match in charge of Scottland might have ended in defeat at the hands of Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs, but the revered gaffer is revelling more in the positives that he picked up than the negatives in their friendly in Lobamba.
Scottland who were in Eswatini in the last leg or their pre-season tour that started in South Africa fell to a 0-2 defeat to Hotspurs at the Somhlolo Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Zimbabwean champions are now just over three weeks into their pre-season and used the game against Nsingizini Hotspurs to gauge their progress.
It was also an opportunity for Mapeza, who was appointed Scottland coach about 70 days ago to have a first-hand assessment of his squad in a game situation.
Mapeza was unveiled on November 27, a few days after the conclusion of the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
He only began serious business after the New Year and is so far happy with what he has seen from the champions ensemble.
“Technically the boys are good, but we can’t talk of tactics at this stage.
“We gave everyone a chance to play and that should tell you the plan we had.
“We wanted to get a picture of where we are as a team and where we can improve. “Nonetheless, I am more than happy with the boys,” said Mapeza.
Upon his arrival at Scottland, the former FC Platinum coach made a few changes to the squad, which won the 2025 Castle Lager PSL championship under Tonderai Ndiraya.
Goalkeeper Kelvin Shangiwa, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Michael Tapera, Ghanian Frederick Ansa Botchway and Vassili Kawe were released from Scottland.
Mapeza brought in a number of new faces.
And against Nsingizini, Mapeza started three of the new signings – Kenyan defender Joshua Onyango, Twala Kwake of Eswatini and Ghanaian defender Mohamed Issaka who turned out for Dynamos in the second half of last season.
Goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, Kingsley Mureremba, Kevin Moyo, Walter Musona, Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Nathan Mutasa, Moses Shidholo and Khama Billiat completed the starting line-up.
Among the notable players on the Scottland substitutes bench were ex-DeMbare goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa, former MWOS star midfielder Abubakar Moffat, Mtokhozisi Msebe, Peter Muduhwa, Tymon Machope, Knowledge Musona, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Emmanuel Ziocha, Godknows Murwira, Gareth Madhake, Albert “Bolo” Manenji and Tadiwa Chakuchichi.
Big goalkeeper Talbert Shumba, Tinotenda “Blacks” Makwinja, Mafios Chihweta Abel Nyoni, Seth Musarapachena, Junior Nduna, Namibian Isaka Guribab and Valentine Macheka were also part of the travelling squad.
“There were so many positives considering that we are just three weeks into the pre-season and we were playing against a team that is in season.
