Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
HATE them or love them, Premiership newboys Scottland are a team on a mission.
Just two games into the 2025 season, the new boys have made a bold statement of intent.
While it could still be early to talk about the season’s prospects, the star-studded Mabvuku side has brought the vibe that Zimbabwean football needed.
They have created excitement and have managed to draw huge crowds to their matches as was the case when they hosted Triangle and on Sunday when they beat CAPS United 2-0 at Rufaro.
The Green Machine confirmed that 11 000 supporters paid to watch the match on Sunday despite the ticket price being raised from US$3 to $5 for the rest of the ground and US$20 for VVIP.
With some big names like Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, Peter Muduhwa, Tymon Machope and Lynoth Chikuhwa on their roaster, the Mabvuku side are creating new football rivalries, and their matches promise more exciting duels against established sides in the league.
With a huge investment in personnel, and in the pre-season training, it is not a secret Scottland want to win the league title in their maiden season.
Their coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who was raided from Simba Bhora after leading the Shamva outfit to their maiden league title last year, seems to understand the mission.
“The investment that was done to this team is quite huge. And we can only repay the directors by getting good results.
“So, I’m happy for everyone, happy for the team,” said Ndiraya.
He was particularly impressed by the display on Sunday, which was a marked improvement from the opening fixture against Triangle when they lacked cohesion and laboured to a 1-0 win.
“They performed badly for reasons that I mentioned last week. They received all sorts of criticism. Then they came with a lot of pressure and they produced that good performance.
“So, what more can you ask for as a coach? Good show from the boys. Happy for our supporters, happy for the team, for the directors and everyone,” said Ndiraya.
However, Dynamos and CAPS United fans have a general dislike for the new Premiership moneybags because they enticed some of their best players to join them during the off-season.
Supporters from the two Harare giants usually do not rally in the same corner but of late they have been open to forming alliances against Scottland.
Scottland squandered a glut of scoring opportunities against Makepekepe, whose goalkeeper Harmony Nare was the man-of-the-match.
“I think we were very good in the final third. We created so many chances. I think we were largely in control of the game, both in the first and second half.
“But they didn’t have many chances, so to speak. So, I think we were better in the final third than CAPS United.”
But with such a star-studded side at his disposal, Ndiraya should under normal circumstances be having selection headaches.
“I think the task is very easy. It’s a different scenario if you don’t have an array of stars. But if you have stars, everyone has his responsibility.
“They all understand what they are expected to do., They all understand that they can’t all play at the same time. The best way is to give everyone a chance.
“That’s what we are going to do.”
Scottland have another tough test this week as they are set to host former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro on Friday.
