Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND president Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya is a man driven by both passion and ambition to turn his Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions into a dominant force in the African game.
Sakupwanya’s Scottland will make their bow in the CAF Champions League this year, marking a historic feat for a club that is only three years old.
Despite making a Premiership record by becoming the first team in the 33-year history of the top-flight to win the championship on debut, Sakupwanya has not limited the ambitions he has for his club.
The Mabvuku-Tafara legislator has challenged his players to become ambassadors of the club brand after announcing a new sponsorship deal with international airline giants Etihad for next season.
Speaking to the squad at Scottland Village, the club’s high-performance centre in Ruwa, Sakupwanya said the agreement was a reward for the progress made so far and placed greater responsibility on the players.
“You are custodians of the brand,” he told the log leaders.
Sakupwanya also told the players that they are central to the club’s growth.
“Life requires you to set clear goals. Once you know what you want to achieve, the journey becomes easier.
The same applies to Scottland.
“People are talking about this club everywhere because of what we are doing.
“They admire the way we are building the club, and that is because of you, the players. You are the custodians of the Scottland brand, and no individual should damage everything that we are building together’’.
The Harare businessman reiterated his commitment to investing in the club and helping them achieve more milestones.
“You see me investing heavily because I understand the value of a strong brand. Without a brand, you cannot grow, and together we must continue to build it.
“Let us increase our visibility on social media because that is one of the ways we market the club’’.
He also hinted that the Etihad deal was linked to the club’s continental focus.
Sakupwanya revealed the Etihad partnership deal was secured during a recent trip he undertook to Dubai.
“I was in Dubai a few weeks ago, and we secured sponsorship with Etihad for next season.
“That means the brand we are carrying has become even bigger, and we now have a greater responsibility to protect it.”
He said Scottland’s rise has drawn attention across Africa.
“Many clubs across Africa are now contacting people in Dubai, some trying to undermine us, but they do not understand the strength of the Scottland brand.
“Our vision goes beyond football, and that is why we must remain united and fight for one goal.
“The club is also preparing for the CAF Champions League football.
“We leave for South Africa on July 26 to play Kaizer Chiefs before continuing with our CAF Champions League preparations. It will not be easy, so we need to be disciplined and physically fit.”
Business and personal brands
Contrary to popular belief that his institution is all about spending and buying players, Sakupwanya said Scottland also want to benefit from player sales and enhance their sustainability.
“We also want to sell players because football is a business and transfers are part of that business.
