Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Scottland head coach Tonderai Ndiraya has hailed the resurgence of striker Tymon Machope, whose clinical finishing has propelled the team to within a point of Castle Lager Premier Soccer League leaders and defending champions Simba Bhora.
Machope has been pivotal in the team’s recent surge as he powers a star studded Scottland side.
Machope was remarkable on Friday when his brace was enough to propel Scottland to sink ZPC Kariba in a 2-1 victory at Rufaro.
The win saw Scottland rising to the top of the log standings for a day before Simba Bhora reclaimed top spot after edging MWOS 1-0 on Saturday at Ngoni.
“Tymon in particular, has picked up form at the right time,” Ndiraya said.
“He scored a brace at Mandava, and today he delivered again. If he converts most of his chances, he should be hitting 20 goals a season. That’s the level we need from him in these final games.
Machope’s exploits earned him July’s PSL Player of the Month award, complementing Ndiraya’s Coach of the Month honour.
His latest brace against ZPC Kariba took his tally to nine goals and put him in contention for the golden boot with the leading pack of Washington Navaya and Billy Vheremu.
While Machope has been the talisman, Ndiraya stressed the importance of contributions across the pitch.
“It’s not just Tymon, our midfielders are chipping in too. Moses Shidolo, our new signing, has been outstanding.
“He scored last week and brings energy to our play.
Shidolo has already scored twice for the “Galactico” side in four appearances.
With nine matches remaining, Scottland trail Simba Bhora by a solitary point in a tense title race.
Ndiraya admitted the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in his squad’s resilience.
“Winning matches is one thing; maintaining consistency is another.
“We have been solid over the last seven games, but the final stretch demands mental and physical strength.
Simba Bhora, meanwhile, have reinforced their squad with signings like defender Boid Mutukure, signalling their intent to retain pole position.
Ndiraya, however, remains unfazed,
“We respect them, but we’re focused on our own path. If our forwards keep scoring, we will be in the mix until the end.
“The heat is on, but we are built for this,” said Ndiraya.
Scottland are the in-form team in the Premiership, powering to victory in all their last seven outings in all competitions.
