Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
TO put Scottland’s resurgence into perspective, the Mabvuku side were 12 points behind then log leaders MWOS, with a game in hand from the abandoned match against Chicken Inn, at the close of Match Day 19.
Mabviravira were fifth on the log behind MWOS, 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 keeper.
Since Shangiwa (28) claimed the number one jersey from Talbert Shumba and Nelson Chadya who were ahead on the pecking order, Mabviravira have not lost a match.
Scottland accounted for Ngezi Platinum Stars, Highlanders, Bikita Minerals and Yadah 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 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 revealed 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. They will host GreenFuel in a first round clash at Sakubva on Sunday.
How much did Shangiwa pay Nyakwenda to be his advertising agent? We all know that teams can start the season badly as they try to find good combinations in the field of play. To put God as a reason for good performance is laughable. So many players believe in God including those that play for Kwekwe United and Yadah. It’s absolute NONSENSE to involve God in such basic human endeavours.