Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN a Scottland dressing room packed with international stars, Peter Ndlovu’s toughest job as the team’s manager is not celebrating victories.
It is convincing players who have not featured during the club’s seven-match winning run that they still matter.
With coach Norman Mapeza settling for a largely unchanged starting XI for the past several matches, a number of established players have found themselves on the fringes.
For a club built around proven internationals and seasoned professionals, keeping everyone motivated has become just as important as getting results on the pitch.
The Zimbabwe football legend has become one of the most influential figures behind Scottland’s rise, serving not only as team manager, but also as mentor, counsellor and father figure to a squad carrying huge expectations.
Years after hanging up his boots, the former Warriors captain has swapped leading from the front for leading behind the scenes.
Drawing on his experiences at the highest level and from his time as welfare manager at South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, Ndlovu now spends much of his time managing emotions as much as football matters.
Of late, that has meant helping players cope with disappointment, frustration and the uncertainty that comes with waiting for opportunities while making sure the dressing room remains united.
“It is what it is, but it is also our duty as fathers. Sometimes kids feel like they are not treated the same, but already if someone in your place is doing well you just have to support and wait for your chance,” said Ndlovu.
For nearly two months, Mapeza has resisted the temptation to rotate his side.
The consistency has paid off.
Scottland have won seven matches on the bounce and strengthened their grip at the top of the table.
Several high-profile players signed to make an impact have had to settle for supporting roles, testing both their patience and professionalism.
Ndlovu knows those conversations cannot be avoided.
“Those conversations must take place so that they feel they are part of the setup,” he told the club’s media.
“It is very hard, especially for those not playing. You have to put your arm around them and make them feel, ‘Okay, I am not playing, but I am valued.’”
Among those still waiting for regular opportunities are Emmanuel Ziocha, Tymon Machope, Kingsley Mureremba, Abubakar Moffat, Mafious Chihweta, Isaskar Gurirab and Terrence Dzvukamanja.
“Those players that have not played, their chances will come. They will be introduced slowly and surely,” said Ndlovu.
Scottland’s squad depth is about to face an even greater test.
Alongside the defence of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) title, they are preparing for the Chibuku Super Cup, the inaugural Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and a maiden CAF Champions League campaign that begins in September.
The demands of competing on several fronts will eventually require wider use of the squad.
“People think we have a big squad,” Ndlovu said.
“The PSL squad is 30 players, and for CAF it is 35. But those players must be registered with the PSL first. So, effectively, the numbers are not as big as people imagine.”
The club is already considering reinforcing the squad, with a number of players linked with Scottland.
“We do look at beefing up the squad. Obviously, some slots will be taken and unfortunately that’s the nature of the game whereby these things have to happen,” said Ndlovu.
“The players are aware of what happens around football. So, it’s not something new to them. However, we have to keep the club going and keep the momentum.”
At the heart of Scottland’s long-term ambition is continental football.
“The president has said the CAF Champions League is what he is looking at,” said Ndlovu.
“I am sure we are going to get a lot of support, the coach will get a lot of support and the team will get a lot of support in terms of what is needed to achieve that goal.”
While Mapeza delivers results from the technical area, Ndlovu is fighting a different battle behind closed doors, keeping a dressing room full of ambitious footballers pulling in the same direction.
In a squad where only 11 can start, keeping every player believing they still have a role to play could prove just as important as any tactical decision made on match day.
