Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda and Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUST like many teams before them, flamboyant debutants Scottland have sought to cash in on the popularity of giants — Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United — and have hiked the entry charges of their blockbuster clash against DeMbare at Rufaro on Saturday.
Scottland have pegged the cheapest ticket at $5, up from $3, while the Upper grand stands will go for $10 and the VIP Buckets seats will be going for $20.
Many teams have in the past cashed in on hosting any of DeMbare, Bosso and Makekepepe in what has been christened “pay day” by increasing the entry fees.
And now Scottland who also saw Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United hiking the entry charges when they were the home sides against them, have joined the bandwagon.
Scottland will technically be the home team against DeMbare although the Harare giants are virtually away in their traditional home of Rufaro.
The in-form newboys yesterday defended their decision to hike the charges as they believe that Saturday’s contest against Dynamos is “not merely another fixture”.
Mabviravira, as Scottland are affectionately known, are on a seven-match winning streak while Dynamos seem to have found their mojo and are unbeaten in three games since the arrival of new coach Kelvin Kaindu.
DeMbare however, remain stuck in the relegation zone while Scottland are bidding to become the first team since 1984 to win a top-flight title on debut.
A swashbuckling Black Rhinos, who featured greats like Japhet Mparutsa, Stanford “Stix” Mutizwa, Ernest Mutano and the late duo of Stanley Ndunduma and Jerry Chidawa, were the last team to achieve such a feat.
Scottland have thrust themselves in a better position to emulate Rhinos with some big victories over the last seven matchdays.
That purple patch includes a 5-2 humiliation of FC Platinum at Mandava, the Zvishavane miners’ biggest defeat.
Last weekend, Scottland thumped stubborn Herentals 3-1 at Rufaro to push their tally to 52 points, one less than log leaders Simba Bhora.
“This match against Dynamos is not merely another fixture on the calendar.
“The intensity, the quality and the magnitude of the stakes elevate it far beyond the ordinary,” Scottland chief executive officer Ronald Moyo told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
Dynamos now look a revamped side under Kaindu who joined the Glamour Boys from Highlanders last month.
Under the Zambian gaffer DeMbare have beaten MWOS, Kwekwe United and GreenFuel.
Dynamos are now on 25 points and three away from the safety zone.
Their fans, some of who advocated for a boycott of matches, have revived their love affair with the storied club.
Dynamos attracted a good crowd when they beat GreenFuel 2-0 at Rufaro last Sunday.
The return of crowd puller Denver Mukamba has also ignited a vibe at the Harare giants.
However, Kevin Moyo said Scottland were ready to cash in on the interest which the game has generated.
“The revenue generated from such a premium occasion is not an end in itself but a vital means to an end — a catalyst propelling our broader ambitions, both on the pitch and beyond it,” said the youthful Moyo.
Scottland won the reverse fixture 1-0 at the same venue.
Kevin Moyo’s consistency pays off.
One man who has been an unsung hero for Scottland is their ex-Dynamos defender Kevin Moyo.
Moyo has so far started all but one of Scottland’s games, which was against Ngezi Platinum Stars when he came on as a second-half substitute.
His experience will be key as Scottland look to overcome the intimidating Dynamos crowd in what promises to be a full house at Rufaro.
He revealed that he was relishing the clash against his former paymasters.
“I have tried to be consistent and focus on every game as it comes,’’ Kevin said.
His philosophy is a blend of hard work, self-improvement and faith.
“I always tell myself that if you work hard, push yourself to be better than what you were before, to give my all whenever I’m given an opportunity to play.
“Especially in this star-studded team, to have a good pre-season and obviously stay disciplined and all pray to God for protection and to stay injury-free.”
The competition for places at Scottland is fierce, a challenge Moyo meets with confidence forged at another club known for depth — FC Platinum.
“I think it has to do with experience,” he added. “Remember, I made my name at a team that is also similar to Scottland. At FC Platinum, there was a lot of quality there. I played almost every match and I was one of the best players there.
“I just tell myself I am the best whenever I step on that field and just focus on believing in myself.”
But for Kevin “it is only teamwork’’ that makes them shine.
“It’s all about teamwork. We support each other, whoever is given a chance to play we just wish each other the best.
“Of course, it becomes a lot easier because we have a lot of seniors in our team who have seen it all and also an experienced technical team.”
All the focus is now on the weekend’s epic battle of two side with contrasting missions — one aiming for the stars and the other seeking to swim out of the mud.
“It’s not going to be easy, of course, looking at their current form. They have been winning of late and they are high in confidence.
“So, we’re looking forward to an exciting and tough game against a big team like Dynamos.” Kevin’s pedigree is undeniable.
He has a medal-laden cabinet having won league titles with FC Platinum between 2016 and 2018, a Chibuku Super Cup triumph over Herentals with Bulawayo Chiefs (2022), and the back-to-back successes with Dynamos in 2023 and 2024.
Peter Tanyanyiwa