Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THERE is no time for Scottland to mourn dropping TWO vital points, in their quest to make history, at Rufaro yesterday.
The Mabvuku side are bidding to become the first Zimbabwean team to be crowned champions in the domestic Premiership in their first two seasons in the top-flight league.
But, their dreams of doing so suffered a setback yesterday when they were held to a goalless draw by FC Platinum in a midweek league match at Rufaro.
The four-time champions have improved since the arrival of South African coach Thabo Senong in Zvishavane.
But, given what was at stake, this was a game which the Scotts were favoured to win against their coach Norman Mapeza’s former employers.
However, the hosts fired blanks and they have opened a window for Hardrock to cut the lead at the top of the table to just one point, if they win their game in hand.
The Kwekwe goldminers, who once trailed Scottland by seven points, have what appears to be a relatively winnable game against neighbours TelOne at Chahwanda on Sunday.
But, after that, they will face a tough run of games, including away battles against Highlanders, Dynamos and Simba Bhora.
Scottland have no time to wonder what went wrong yesterday as their focus has already switched to their debut appearance in the CAF Champions League at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
They host Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs in the first leg as the giant stadium opens its doors, for international football, for the first time in seven years.
The Scotts will hold a special dinner in Borrowdale this evening.
The club said the dinner is meant for their partners to come together and “celebrate the team and wish them well ahead of their CAF Champions League journey.”
Club secretary-general, Fortune “Giant” Bgwoni, has urged football supporters across the country to rally behind the Scotts when they face the team which eliminated Simba Bhora from the same competition last year.
The preliminary-round first leg kicks-off at 3pm with Scottland seeking a home advantage before travelling to Eswatini for the return fixture.
“This is a historic moment for Scottland and we are also carrying the Zimbabwean flag,” said Bgwoni.
“We are appealing to supporters from all the other clubs and their chapters to come and rally behind the team.
“We want everyone to put aside domestic rivalries and support the country’s representatives.”
Scottland qualified for the competition after winning the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title in their debut top-flight season.
“We know Nsingizini and respect them, we played them before during pre-season but this is now a competitive match,” said Bgwoni.
“We want a positive result at home before travelling to Eswatini for the second leg.”
The two teams met in a pre-season friendly in February with Nsingizini winning 2-0 at Somhlolo National Stadium.
The Eswatini champions prevailed 4-2 on penalties, after the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, when they eliminated Simba Bhora.
Ordinary tickets cost US$5 while VIP admission has been pegged at US$30.
