Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND may not be the ideal opponent for MWOS at a time when they are trying to turn the corner, but they have no choice but to deliver against one of their fierce rivals.
Defender Valentine Katsande has since urged his teammates to maintain high concentration levels as the club prepares for a demanding run of fixtures.
MWOS head into the crucial period buoyed by their recent 2-0 Premier Soccer League victory over FC Platinum, courtesy of a Wilson Mensah brace.
“The win against FC Platinum was important for us, but we cannot afford to dwell on it because we have several difficult matches coming,” Katsande said.
“We have league matches to play, the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and the Chibuku Super Cup. It is going to be a demanding period, so we need to remain focused and maintain high concentration levels.”
MWOS’ upcoming league programme includes an encounter against defending champions Scottland.
“Scottland are a strong side, and the match will require us to be at our best. However, we must take every game as it comes and prepare properly for each opponent,” he said.
“The fixture programme will be congested, but we are professional footballers and must be ready. Recovery, discipline, and concentration will be important because there will be little room for mistakes.”
Katsande has established himself as one of the league’s most consistent defenders since joining MWOS ahead of the 2025 season.
He missed only four matches during his first campaign with the club, two through injury, two for suspension, and another two this season for suspension.
His durability was also evident during his time at Black Rhinos.
“Consistency is something I have always worked hard to maintain,” Katsande said.
“I try to look after myself, train seriously, and always make myself available for selection.
“My focus now is on helping MWOS finish the season strongly. We are still competing on several fronts, and we believe we can achieve something if we remain united and focused.”
The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup is scheduled for the weekend of August 7-9, while the Chibuku Super Cup will add further pressure to an already crowded domestic calendar.
MWOS are now on 34 points with nine league games left, and they will seek to spoil Scottland’s run in the league on Saturday at Rufaro.
