Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
KELVIN MOYO has never missed a single league game for ambitious Castle Lager Premier Soccer League debutants Scottland.
The steady and calculative defender has played every minute in the league since February 28, when Mabviravira opened their maiden top-flight campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Triangle United at Rufaro.
Since that game, Moyo has now clocked at least 2 520 minutes from 28 appearances for Scottland, who will go top of the log standings if they beat Manica Diamonds at Rufaro tomorrow.
With champions Simba Bhora away on continental duty, Scottland are looking to take full advantage.
Simba Bhora are in Eswatini for a CAF Champions League preliminary round assignment.
Back home Scottland have their own ambitions.
They are attempting to do what no other Premier Soccer League side has done before, which is to win the championship in their debut season.
No team in the era of the PSL has won in their maiden year since 16 teams broke away from the then ZIFA administered Super League in 1993.
Black Rhinos had achieved that feat in the Super League in 1984.
Should they win against Manica Diamonds, Scottland will move a point clear of Simba Bhora.
Simba Bhora face Nsingisi of Eswatini in the second leg of their preliminary round tie in Mbabane on Sunday, carrying a slender 1-0 advantage.
Central to Scottland’s quest to rewrite the local football history has been an unsung hero in the form of versatile defender Moyo.
Described by his coach Tonderai Ndiraya as the league’s best centre-back, Moyo will return to the starting line-up against Manica Diamonds after he was rested in last Sunday’s Chibuku Super Cup penalty shoot-out loss to Highlanders at Barbourfields.
The 32-year-old Moyo has struck a perfect combination with former Highlanders star Peter Muduhwa.
But the combination has had its stop-starts, as Muduhwa has missed a couple of league games.
“Personally, I am very happy and proud of myself to have managed to play as many games especially in a team like Scottland that has a lot of quality players,” Moyo told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“I think it has to do with hard work and also paying back to the coaches who have that belief in me.
“Whenever I am given a chance, I always try to give my best.”
A lot is expected from Mabviravira who have invested massively in their project and could seize the initiative in the title run-in should they take their points tally to 56 tomorrow.
“So far so good,” said Moyo, who has seen Premiership duty with FC Platinum, Bulawayo Chiefs and Dynamos.
Alongside his twin, Elvis, Moyo won the league championship twice with FC Platinum in 2017 and 2018.
The twins also played together at Chippa United in the South African Premiership, at Dynamos and at Bulawayo Chiefs.
This season, Kelvin is going it alone at Scottland.
“It has been great I guess, considering that Scottland are a new team with players that have not played together before, so personally I think so far, we have done well even though I feel that we should have done better in some games.
“Given the players we have, fans will expect us to win every match, but we will try our best.”
His coach Ndiraya, was bold enough in his assessment of Moyo.
“He (Moyo) has been one of the most consistent players in the league this season.
“He has missed only one game thus far, a cup game, an indication of the trust that we have in him.
“For me, Moyo is arguably the best centre back in the country right now,” Ndiraya purred on. While much of the focus has been on the likes of Khama Billiat, Walter Musona and Panashe Mutimbanyoka, it has been Moyo who has been going about his business quietly but effectively in turning Scottland into a force.
Bongani Ndlovu