Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND coach Norman Mapeza credited his players’ hard work and perseverance after his side secured a crucial victory over Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab on Saturday, a result that strengthened their position in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race.
Moses Shidolo and Khama Billiat scored for the champions in the second half of what was an exciting match.
“We have been working hard. Nothing special. In football, perseverance sometimes pays. We have been patient, and the guys have been patient as well. Now we are getting the results.”
The win extended Scottland’s impressive run and underlined the growing belief within the camp as the season enters a critical phase.
Despite the win, Mapeza insisted his team would not be distracted by the league standings or the performances of their rivals, opting instead to focus on one game at a time.
“What is important for us is just to take the game as it comes, otherwise we are going to count our points on the log and look at what the other teams are doing.
“We just need to take it game by game and try to get positive results like what we did today,” said Mapeza.
The former FC Platinum coach, however, warned against complacency, stressing that the campaign still has a long way to go.
“It is still a long season. We have to keep working,” he said.
Scottland’s victory was built on a disciplined defensive display after taking the lead early in the second half.
Mapeza said the team’s ability to protect their advantage demonstrated that the work done on the training ground was paying dividends.
“When we scored that first goal in the first few minutes of the second half, we had something to defend,” he said.
“That is when you can see exactly whether what we have been doing in training is working.
“If you can defend like that for 43 minutes or so, it shows that the hard work we have been putting in at training is working.” Ngezi Platinum Stars created several chances and could have found a way back into the contest, but Scottland remained resolute to secure all three points.
“Some of the opportunities they could have scored, but look, I am happy for the boys,” said Mapeza.
Scottland will now turn their attention to next Friday’s encounter against Manica Diamonds as they seek to maintain their momentum.
