Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland 3-0 Bikita Minerals
AT a sun-drenched Rufaro Stadium, Walter Musona finally shed his scoring curse in Scottland colours, as the Premiership newcomers delivered a commanding 3-0 demolition of Bikita Minerals in a lively Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash yesterday.
It was a sweet moment of redemption for the reigning Soccer Star of the Year, who rose to the occasion with a powerful 25th-minute header off a well-measured cross from his former Simba Bhora teammate, Vassili Kawe. The goal not only opened his account for Scottland but also injected life into a team that had recently suffered a defeat and a draw on the road.
The goal set the tone for Scottland’s dominance, and five minutes later, the electric Khama Billiat nearly doubled the lead after dancing through Bikita’s backline, only to be denied by a fine save from goalkeeper Hilton Dendera in a one-on-one.
Moments later, Billiat thought he had made it 2-0 after finding the net, but the assistant referee’s raised flag brought that moment to a halt — offside.
Bikita’s response was timid at best. Their first real effort came in the 41st minute when Tadiwanashe Nyakope tried his luck from range, but the ball whistled harmlessly wide.
Just after the break, Billiat — deployed as a false nine — sparked more magic. He turned provider this time, slipping a clever ball through to Mthokozisi Msebe, who coolly slotted home for his second goal of the season.
The rout continued on the hour mark when Gareth Madhake whipped in a low cross that was fumbled into the net by Bikita defender Takunda Chanata, whose attempted clearance turned into a calamitous own goal.
With the game all but sealed, Scottland head coach Tonderai Ndiraya rang in the changes, using the final third of the match to blood new talent — including a jaw-dropping debut for 15-year-old sensation Tanatswa Chakuchichi.
“We were expecting to win and I’m happy we got the three points,” said a pleased Ndiraya.
“In the first half, we dominated play with good movement, though we lacked sharpness in front of goal. We were under pressure coming from a defeat and a draw, so this win is timely.”
Ndiraya also voiced concern about some of his senior players letting the intensity drop after the break.
“Some of the big boys relaxed. There was a bit of showboating, trying to entertain the fans, but look — we want goals,” he said with a hint of frustration.
But his pride was clear when speaking about the club’s youthful prospects:
“We gave young Nathan Mutasa 30 minutes, and he responded well. Then there’s Chakuchichi — only 15 — and he was splendid. His debut is the real headline of today’s game.”
On the other end, Bikita Minerals’ coach Wilson Mutekede admitted his side is in troubled waters, with just two points from a possible 15.
“It’s a painful loss because I felt the boys gave it their all. We were organised and created chances, but we lacked bite in the final third,” said Mutekede. “It’s clear we need to be more clinical going forward if we are to survive.”
With this win, Scottland not only collected valuable points but also served a reminder —they may be new boys in the league, but they’ve come to compete.
Starting Line-ups
Scottland: N. Chadya, W. Musona (Chakuchichi 68’), T. Chipunza, P. Muduhwa, G. Madhake, K. Moyo, K. Billiat (L. Chikuhwa 70’), A. Manenji, M. Msebe (K. Jaison 68’), V. Kawe (K. Mureremba 55’), N. Mutasa (P. Mutimbanyoka 55’)
Bikita Minerals: M. Dendera, T. Makwarimba, F. Kufuramutowa, C. Nyakope, T. Manyuchi, F. Moyo, T. Mlenga (I. Masiwa 46’), T. Murasiranwa, A. Several, C. Munzabwa, J. Ruzive.
