Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TO put Scottland’s resurgence into perspective, the Mabvuku side were 12 points behind then log leaders MWOS, with a game in hand from an abandoned match against Chicken Inn at the close of Match Day 19.
Mabviravira were fifth on the log behind then leaders MWOS, champions Simba Bhora, Ngezi Platinum Stars and TelOne.
Five rounds later, Tonderai Ndiraya’s charges are now four points clear of MWOS and just a point behind table-toppers Simba Bhora.
Last weekend’s 5-2 massacre of FC Platinum at Mandava, not only pushed Scottland to 46 points but also stretched their winning run to five matches.
Scottland’s resurgence has also coincided with the elevation of Kelvin Shangiwa, who is now the team’s number one goalkeeper.
Since the 28-year-old Shangiwa wrestled the number one jersey from Talbert Shumba and Nelson Chadya who were ahead of him on the pecking order, Scottland have not lost a match.
In the period under review, Scottland accounted for Ngezi Platinum Stars, Highlanders, Bikita Minerals and Yadah Stars before their big win against FC Platinum last Saturday.
They were also awarded three points on a 3-0 score-line from their abandoned match against Chicken Inn.
Last Saturday, they became the first team to beat FC Platinum in the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and also the first to inflict such a huge defeat on Norman Mapeza’s side.
Shangiwa, who joined Scottland from MWOS at the beginning of the season, gets spiritual when he talks about his team’s fine run.
“I feel happy when I am adding some value to the team. Especially in a team like Scottland which is full of stars and big names,” Shangiwa told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“It’s an amazing streak, five wins in a row and we are also challenging for the league title.
“Everything I do I always put God first.”
Shangiwa, who is based in Chitungwiza, says he has “found the answer’’ from a local clergyman, who leads the fast-rising Gomo Rema Answer Interdenominational congregation.
The church is home to a number of footballers including Herentals utility player Godfrey “Marabha” Mukambi and Manica Diamonds striker Michael “Gunners” Tapera.
“The good thing for me is I am now a firm believer in the power of God.
“Prophet Tinashe Siwela of Zengeza in Chitungwiza has taught me to be patient in life and wait for God’s time.
“He assured me my time would come and I would play regularly.
“I am glad God is showing his powers now,” said the former Harare City shot stopper.
Zimpapers Sports Hub tracked Siwela who argued that juju did not work in football.
“With Shangiwa it has been about him believing in God’s wonders. The good thing is that Shangiwa is a believer and he waited patiently.
“I always tell him he can play football without using any juju and believing solely in God.
“Most players made mistakes because they did not wait for God’s time. As a player you need to pray and invite God into your life,” said Siwela.
Scottland now shift focus to their maiden participation in the Chibuku Super Cup, a tournament that guarantees its winners a ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup.
They will host GreenFuel in a first round clash at Sakubva on Sunday.
No CAF CONF for zimbabwe