Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MOST of his peers call him “Modric”, a nickname inspired by Croatian midfield maestro Luka Modrić and the way he dictates play in the middle of the park.
For Mthokozisi Msebe, the nickname reflects a growing reputation for a midfielder who has quietly established himself among the stand-out performers in the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Msebe arrived in the top-flight with Bulawayo Chiefs in 2020, just as the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe and brought local football to a standstill.
The pandemic eventually passed, but Msebe has stayed the course.
Six years later, the 26-year-old has blossomed into one of the league’s most influential midfielders, with his impressive performances for defending champions Scottland earning him another opportunity to stake his claim for national team recognition.
It has been a demanding campaign for Mabviravira, but Msebe has been one of their most consistent performers, featuring in 28 league matches and making 37 appearances across all competitions, including the CAF Champions League and Cup games.
“It has been a tough season, I would say very challenging yet one of the best,” Msebe told Zimpapers Sports Hub. His reward has been a place in Warriors coach Ramon Catala’s 32-man provisional squad for next month’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea.
For Msebe, the call-up is a recognition of the hard work he has put in throughout the season.
“I have been working hard throughout the season, and it feels like a reward.
“I am happy to be back in the Warriors set-up. If I am given the chance, I will try my best,” he said.
This is not his first taste of national team football.
Msebe was previously called up during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers but did not get a meaningful opportunity to showcase his abilities.
Now, with another chance on the horizon, the Scottland midfielder will be hoping his consistency at club level translates into a breakthrough in the Warriors colours.
Zimbabwe travel to Cameroon to face Equatorial Guinea at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on November 12 before hosting the same opponents at the National Sports Stadium four days later.
But before turning his attention to international duty, Msebe has a pressing assignment at club level.
Scottland face CAPS United at Rufaro this afternoon in a high-stakes encounter that could have significant implications for the Castle Lager PSL title race.
Mabviravira trail log leaders Hardrock by eight points, although they have two games in hand.
Victory today would reduce the gap to five points and give the defending champions renewed hope of mounting a late charge.
CAPS United, meanwhile, are fifth on the table with 51 points and can leapfrog Dynamos into fourth place if they win.
The Green Machine head into the contest on a five-match unbeaten run, while Scottland have suffered just one defeat in their last five outings.
The reverse fixture ended 2-0 in favour of Scottland at the National Sports Stadium on May 31, but today’s encounter comes against a backdrop of heightened tension and controversy.
Against that backdrop, the spotlight will be firmly at Rufaro as Scottland begin life without Norman Mapeza, who was dismissed earlier this week.
Warriors legend Peter Ndlovu has been appointed on an interim basis to lead the champions through their final four league matches of the season.
