Masomere accepts ‘underdog’ tag against Scottland

LUKE “Doctor of Football” Masomere has expressed confidence as his team, Triangle United prepares to face favourites Scottland in the opening match of the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) season at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

Masomere, who last coached in the topflight league in 2019 with Manica Diamonds, has embraced the “underdog” tag and is determined to defy expectations against the Premiership debutants.

Despite Scottland’s massive activity in the transfer market, which has made them the title favourites in their maiden season, Masomere believes his side has the potential to surprise.

“We are preparing very hard. They have everything in their favour in terms of quality and everything else but we have to match them. We have a game plan in place and we hope it works. Going into this game, we are underdogs and as such we are unpredictable,” said Masomere.

The experienced coach, who has managed 14 local Premiership clubs and three in Botswana, pointed out that although Scottland is strong on paper, his team is ready for the challenge.

“Right now, they are strong on paper, but people do not know what we have in store and how Scottland will perform. What I can tell you is, we are here to compete,” he said.

Masomere’s coaching resume is a testament to his wealth of experience.

He has worked with numerous teams in Zimbabwe, including Hwange, Dynamos and Caps United, among others. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Triangle United back to the Premier Soccer League after they clinched the Eastern Region title.

Scottland, however, enters the season with high expectations.

The club has made waves with their impressive recruitment, signing up some of the best locally-based players. A major factor in their rise is their sponsorship deal with Sakunda Holdings, which is set to provide the team with a staggering US$1,5 million per season.

This investment has already helped Scottland attract notable players like Caps United midfielder Kingsley Mureremba, with more high-profile names, including Walter Musona and Khama Billiat also in their ranks.

As the PSL season kicks off tomorrow, other fixtures include a thrilling encounter between defending champions Simba Bhora and FC Platinum at Wadzanai Stadium on Saturday. Simba Bhora will be looking to defend their title despite losing key players to Scottland while FC Platinum, the only team to win at Wadzanai last season, will be aiming to carry on their strong form.

As the 2025 season unfolds, the long wait for a league title continues for Highlanders, who have not won the championship in 18 years, Dynamos in 10 years and Caps United in eight years.

Week 1 fixtures
Tomorrow: Scottland FC vs Triangle United (Rufaro Stadium)
Saturday: Herentals College vs TelOne FC (Rufaro Stadium), Simba Bhora vs FC Platinum (Wadzanayi Stadium), Manica Diamonds vs Yadah FC (Sakubva Stadium), Chicken Inn vs Bikita Minerals (Luveve Stadium), Kwekwe United vs Ngezi Platinum (Bata Stadium), Greenfuel vs Caps United (Green Fuel Arena)
Sunday: Dynamos vs ZPC Kariba (Rufaro Stadium), MWOS FC vs Highlanders FC (Baobab Stadium)
All matches kick off at 3pm. — @innocentskizoe