Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
THE anxious wait is over, and just as Premiership and club poster boy Khama Billiat declared “Let the games begin!’’
Billiat has been installed captain at new boys Scottland.
He has also been a major drawcard for the Premier Soccer League, which returns to action this afternoon, after a 96-day off-season break.
Fans have been itching to watch Scottland in action, especially after a hectic off-season during which the Mabvuku side bossed their way on the transfer market, raiding some of the league’s best players.
Scottland also spent weeks in Zambia preparing for their debut season in the top-flight.
On Wednesday night, they launched their new adidas kit, at a glittering ceremony in Harare where they also set a new record in the elite league even before they had kicked a ball in the Premiership.
Scottland had their autographed replica jersey being auctioned for a whopping US$255 000, a first for domestic football.
After the glitter that has characterised their arrival on the scene, the tide has turned on Billiat and his troops to deliver on the pitch.
They begin their campaign with a tricky match against Triangle United at Rufaro this afternoon (3pm).
“It is very important for us to receive this much support,” Billiat said.
“I just want to thank everyone who is behind the team, especially our boss Scott (Sakupwanya).
“I want to thank him for everything that he has done, he has taken the game to another level.”
“We are blessed to be alive today and being part of this great group.
“We can’t wait to get to play, let the games begin!”
The message was clear at Wednesday night function… Scottland are out to disrupt the old order.
Bookmakers have thrust them as one of the favourites for the league title, although no club has won the top-flight championship in their debut season, since Black Rhinos in 1984.
Scottland coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, has the luxury of fielding six of the 11 players who made it onto the 2024 Soccer Stars calendar, including reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona.
The likes of Lynoth Chikuhwa who won the 2024 Golden Boot, former Simba Bhora striker Tymon Machope and ex-CAPS United skipper Godknows Murwira are available for selection.
However, in Triangle, Scottland face a tricky customer.
The sides traded blows in a Division One Champion of Champions tournament in Gweru in December.
But a lot has since changed with Scottland overhauling their engine and bringing the likes of Talbert Shumba, Musona, Billiat, Chikuhwa and Machope
Triangle have an experienced gaffer in Luke “Vahombe” Masomere who is out to spoil the party for Scottland, whose owner Sakupwanya who turns 46 today.
“It’s better to play the best team now because it will give us a good measure of where we are going as a team,” said Masomere.
“But one thing is for sure Scottland are a group of stars who still don’t know much about themselves.
“They still don’t know much about their weaknesses, unlike us who have been working together since last season when we were still in Division One,” added Masomere.
The Scottland versus Triangle United duel is the first of the three matches that will be staged at Rufaro this weekend.
Herentals College host Herbert Maruwa’s TelOne tomorrow before Dynamos complete the weekend programme in Harare with a date against ZPC Kariba on Sunday.
DeMbare are fresh from winning the Castle Challenge Cup and go into the match as huge favourites.
However, simmering problems within their camp could haunt them.
Zimpapers Sports Hub has been told that some players are still owed their signing on fees from last season.
The club have also failed to pay salaries since the start of the year.
Outstanding bonuses from last season are also yet to be settled.
Nonetheless, Dynamos coach Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe is confident his young Turks will grind a result.
“We are building a team that should be able to withstand the rigours of the Premiership,” said Chigowe.
The veteran gaffer has what looks like a formidable back four of Donald Dzvinyai, Clive Mandivei, Nomore Chinyerere and skipper Emmanuel Jalai.
He will most likely give the exciting Enasio Perezo Junior another run after the pint-sized winger impressed in a cameo role in last weekend’s Castle Challenge Cup triumph over Simba Bhora.
Simba Bhora begin their Premiership title defence against FC Platinum at Wadzanai in Shamva tomorrow.
There are five matches across the country tomorrow, including CAPS United’s potential banana skin assignment at GreenFuel, who are under the seasoned Taurai Mangwiro.
Makepekepe unveiled their kit and players on Wednesday. Their coach Lloyd Chitembwe has also been busy on the market, assembling a strong midfield that will feature Tanaka Shandirwa, Juan Mutudza and England-born former Warriors star Kundai Benyu.
Giants Highlanders begin their campaign with a road trip to Mhondoro where they face new boys MWOS at Baobab on Sunday.
Match Day One Fixtures:
Today:
Scottland v Triangle United (Rufaro)
Tomorrow:
Herentals College v TelOne (Rufaro), Simba Bhora v FC Platinum (Wadzanai), Manica Diamonds v Yadah (Sakubva), Kwekwe United v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Bata), Greenfuel v CAPS United (Greenfuel Arena)
Sunday:
Dynamos v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), MWOS v Highlanders (Baobab)
