Online Reporter
Sports Reporters
FOR the first time in FORTY ONE years, a Zimbabwean side, which was playing Division One football just two years ago, will play in a CAF Champions League assignment on Sunday.
Black Rhinos were the first to do that in 1985.
Scottland will follow their footpath on Sunday when they host Nsingizini Hotspurs at the National Sports Sadium.
And, just like Rhinos, the Scotts will host a club from Eswatini.
Back in 1985, Rhinos took on Mbabane Highlanders in their debut Champions League match.
On Sunday, Scottland will host the current Eswatini champions as they mark their debut in the CAF Champions League.
Rhinos impressed in their debut appearance as they crushed Mbabane Highlanders 4-1 on aggregate before losing 2-3 to US Goree of Senegal in the second round.
Legendary striker Jean-Betrand Bokande starred for US Goree.
Scottland will be hoping to even do better than that but they need to take care of Nsingizini, the club who knocked Simba Bhora from the tournament last year.
Former Nsingizini coach Alex Sigion has warned Scottland to expect a tough test.
Sigion, who is now back in Zimbabwe and serving as FC Platinum assistant coach, has first-hand knowledge of Nsingizini after guiding the Eswatini side on their debut continental campaign.
“It’s not going to be an easy game, considering that Nsingizini Hotspurs have been dominating for quite a couple of years and in major tournaments that they played in their local league.
“They are serious about their business but I’m sure Scottland have an idea when they play Nsingizini Hotspurs.
“I am sure they managed to identify some of the loopholes,” he said.
Scottland’s biggest advantage could be their match fitness, having been involved in competitive football, unlike Nsingizini, who are currently in their off-season.
However, Sigion believes Scottland’s preparations and technical experience should help them deal with whatever the visitors will throw at them.
“Scottland have a good squad, a good coach, a coach that has been there for a long time in terms of experience.
“So, I am sure they know what they are going to expect and they have got options to overcome it.
“Quite a number of players here in Zimbabwe also came from Nsingizini Hotspurs.
“I am sure they could also have a reference for what they are going to expect from that side.”
He added:
“The results are already out when you have quite a number of players who are doing well in their respective clubs in Zimbabwe.
“I believe that is also an opportunity for some of the players from Nsingizini Hotspurs’ side who might also be identified.”
Scottland played Nsingizini in a friendly international earlier this year and lost 0-2.
That game gave coach Norman Mapeza an idea of how their opponents, who have more experience in Champions League football, play.
But, there is a difference between a friendly match and a competitive one.
Scottland fired blanks in their last league match on Wednesday when they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by FC Platinum.
Mapeza will be hoping that his men will be ruthless, in terms of conversion of their chances, or will not find the goalkeeper in the same inspired form as the one they faced on Wednesday.
