Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
OF the 13 Namibians playing in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, only Scottland star midfielder Moses Shidolo featured prominently for the Brave Warriors during the September-October FIFA international break.
Shidolo was Namibia’s best player when his nation lost 0-6 in an friendly against 2018 World Cup hosts Russia in Yekaterinburg last Saturday.
He got a 6.6 rating despite his team’s huge loss.
Shidolo also featured in the two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo and Comoros.
Namibia edged Congo 1-0 in Gaborone before losing by the same scoreline against Comoros in Moroni.
Against Congo, Shidolo earned a 7.5 rating and the Namibian, who has been a revelation in the Zimbabwean top flight, now wants to rechannel that energy towards helping Scottland retain the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
Following the conclusion of the FIFA international break, local focus is back to the two horse Premiership race between defending champions Scottland and Hardrock.
Mabvirarira lead the table with 61 points, one more than Kasongo Boys going into the last five games.
While the two teams are engaged in a fierce battle for the championship, their players are also vying for a place on the Soccer Star of the Year calendar.
Shidolo and Hardrock striker Washington Navaya are among those being tipped for the top gong.
“After playing in all of Namibia’s games during the international break, I feel sharp and more focused as I return to my duties at Scottland,” Shidolo told Zimpapers Sports Hub. Despite playing deep, Shidolo has scored three league goals plus several assists.
“Even my national team coach was impressed with my performance.
“I felt like I represented my club Scottland diligently.
“Scottland are now a big football name on the international scene because of the huge impact they have made not only in Zimbabwe but across Southern Africa,” Shidolo said.
Scottland will travel to Kariba to face ZPC Kariba on Saturday, the same day Hardrock host Bulawayo Chiefs at Chahwanda.
While Hardrock have been on a roll, winning their last six consecutive league matches, Scottland have wobbled.
The defending champions have two wins and three draws on their last five.
The 28-year-old Shidolo wants his teammates to rediscover their consistency.
“We just need to believe in ourselves because we are the defending champions.
“We need to finish the season on a high for us to retain the league title.
“I learned a lot when we played against Russia, the quality is just different.”
Russia hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup and ranked 35th in the world.
“It was a great experience, one that I will never forget.
“From that experience I can feel I can bring something different to Scottland,” added Shidolo.
He is one of several Namibians playing in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.
Others include his teammate Stoffel Witbeen, Sadney Urikhon (Triangle United), Junior Petrus (Simba Bhora), David Ndeunyema (MWOS), Mbakondja Tjahikika (FC Platinum), and Tyrese
Hikuphembe (Chicken Inn).
