Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR the first time in almost a decade, the evening skies at the National Sports Stadium are set to glow under floodlights as champions Scottland host newboys AGAMA in a Castle Lager Premiership match.
The match kicks off at 6pm.
The Mabvuku side, who had the privilege to play at the reopened stadium in a test match when they hosted CAPS United were back at the same venue two weeks ago for their CAF Champions League debut against Eswatini’s Nsingizini.
Today they will get a feel of the National Stadium floodlights ahead of their next Champions League assignment against Angola’s ATletic Petroleos.
That Champions League encounter is pencilled for a 6pm kick off.
Similarly, the Warriors will also have a 6pm kick-off when they host Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Match-day 2 qualifier.
The National Sports Stadium has not hosted an evening encounter in almost a decade.
But for Scottland, the focus is not much more on the match logistics but the desire to keep their campaign in the right tracks.
The Mabvuku side have encountered some inconsistencies in recent league matches and their lead at the top of the table is facing serious challenge from closest rivals Hardrock, who face giants Highlanders at Barbourfields today.
With 58 points in the bag from 28 matches, Scottland’s lead has been slashed from seven to just one after winning only two and drawing three of their last five outings.
However, their coach Norman Mapeza indicated in a recent interview that the Mabvuku side are aware of the task head of them.
“Look, we have been working, and we know exactly our position on the log. There is a lot of pressure, of course, coming from all corners of the country.
“We just need to know our set objectives and keep working hard towards those set objectives. With football, there is always pressure.
“Of course, we could have done better in the last five games against the Highlanders, Dynamos, MWOS and of course we won against Simba Bhora.
“But those were very, very difficult games. Even if you look at our points tally, first half of the season, we struggled a bit when we went through that phase of those five games I’ve mentioned.
“But, you know, the unity within the club, I think it has pushed us to where we are as of now,” said Mapeza.
The team need to redeem themselves from the disappointment of being knocked out of the Chibuku Super Cup by Hardrock, following a 0-1 defeat during the midweek.
Scottland will definitely be following the match between Hardrock and Highlanders at Barbourfields, a few hours before they plunge into their own battle with AGAMA.
Another interesting match is expected between CAPS United and MWOS at Ngoni this afternoon, although both teams no longer have a big say in the destiny of this year’s title.
Green Machin coach Takesure Chiragwi said his boys are well geared to fight for a place in the top-four and that can be achieved with good results starting with the MWOS game.
“Yes, we are chasing for two cups but that should never see us care less about a strong finish in the league,” said Chiragwi.
“As a big team, we are supposed to fight for everything on offer but sometimes there are also those who do better than you. We know we cannot win the championship given where we are right now but we will fight hard to try and finish the race in the top four.
Chiragwi has a lot of respect for MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa and the Norton team who squeezed a draw in the reverse fixture at Rufaro.
Makepekepe will be buoyed with the return of striker Obriel Chirinda who missed the Chibuku Super Cup quarter final win over ZPC Kariba with an ankle injury last weekend.
Chirinda was injured in the Harare Derby against Dynamos a fortnight ago just as he scored the equalizer for the Green Machine.
Midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa is also back and available for selection.
Fixtures:
Today: FC Platinum v ZPC Kariba (Mandava), Simba Bhora v Chicken Inn (Wadzanayi), MWOS v CAPS Utd (Ngoni), Highlanders v Hardrock (Barbourfields), TelOne v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Ascot), FC Hunters v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro), Scottland v AGAMA (NSS, 6pm)
Tomorrow: Bulawayo Chiefs v Triangle (Luveve), Dynamos v Herentals (Rufaro).
