Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NAMIBIAN international Moses Shidolo has revealed that he chose Scottland ahead of a move to South Africa’s Betway Premiership, with Khama Billiat among the reasons he settled in Harare.
“When I left Botswana, I had to choose between the Betway Premiership and Scottland, but I settled for Scottland because of a number of reasons,” Shidolo told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“The club has a good environment and very good players like Khama, who is one of the main reasons I joined.
“I can’t complain. God has been taking care of me at Scottland.”
The 28-year-old joined Scottland from Botswana’s Matebele in July last year after winning the club’s supporters’ player of the season award.
He helped Mabviravira win the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title in his first season, the first top-flight championship of his career, and is now preparing for his maiden CAF Champions League campaign.
“For me, every game and competition is important as a football player, but I’m excited because it will be my first time to play in the CAF Champions League. It’s a big achievement again.
“I’m ready to fight for my team.”
Scottland host Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs at the National Sports Stadium on September 6, in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
The return leg will be played in Eswatini the following weekend.
The champions are also challenging for the Premier Soccer League, Chibuku Super Cup and Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
They face MWOS Under-19 at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday for a place in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
Scottland lead the league with 57 points from 27 matches, three ahead of second-placed Hardrock with seven games remaining.
Shidolo has scored three league goals and supplied five assists despite operating mainly as a deep-lying midfielder. He has also filled at right-back in eight matches.
His midfield partnership with Mthokozisi Msebe has been important to Scottland’s title defence.
Shidolo is also delighted that more Namibian players are taking up opportunities in Zimbabwe, citing better football, pay and bonuses.
“I am proud of every Namibian player who grabbed the opportunity to play in Zimbabwe.
“It’s not much, but Zimbabwe is way better than Namibia. With the money you get here, you can build something back home if you save up well,” he said.
“You play better football here, you get paid better here, and you get bonuses that you don’t even get back home.
“So greener pastures are definitely the main reason we are here.”
The arrival of winger Stoffel Witbeen at Scottland last month took the number of Namibians in the Zimbabwean top flight to 13.
FC Platinum have Isaskar Gurirab, Mbakondja Tjahikika and Vitapi Ngaruka, while Simba Bhora boast McCartney Nawaseb, Leevi Alfeus, Kennedy Eib, Junior Petrus and Sergio Damaseb.
Sisqo Haraseb is at Hardrock, David Ndeunyema plays for MWOS, and Sadney Urikhob is with Triangle.
Shidolo credits Urikhob and Gurirab with opening the route for other Namibians.
“Urikhob and Gurirab made everything possible.
“I just came to put icing on the cake.
“There are great people in Harare and the city is very peaceful.”
Of the teams he has faced in Zimbabwe, Shidolo rates Highlanders and Ngezi Platinum Stars as Scottland’s toughest opponents.
Scottland drew 1-1 with Ngezi in Harare before winning the reverse fixture 2-0 at Baobab Stadium. Highlanders handed the champions only their second league defeat of the season with a 1-0 victory at Barbourfields last month.
“For me, I think Ngezi and Highlanders are difficult,” said Shidolo, who previously played for Eeshoke Chula Chula, Tigers and Eleven Champions in Namibia.
The midfielder remains unmoved by Hardrock’s pursuit of the champions.
“Well, I don’t really look at how close or far opponents are on the log. As long as they are behind us and we are top, that’s what matters.
“I focus more on my team and not others. I’m not worried. Good luck to them, though.”
