THE US$270K MEGA MATCH EXPLODES INTO LIFE

Curtworth Masango

IT’S the US$270 000 match – the biggest single match, in terms of incentives for players and coaches, in the history of domestic football.

That is the huge prize which awaits the Scottland players if they beat Herentals Under-20 in a ZIFA Northern Region Division One match at Rufaro this afternoon.

The Mabvuku side are in a battle royale with MWOS for the sole ticket to play in the domestic Premiership next year.

MWOS, who have a one-point lead over Scottland at the top of the table, have a home tie against Norton Community at Ngoni today.

Lloyd Mutasa’s men are expected to win that match and this could leave Scottland needing a win to remain in contention for the league title.

The irony of it all is that Scottland will be crowned champions on Monday if they win today and MWOS drop points against their neighbours.

Scottland are expected to be handed three points on Monday for their abandoned league match against Karoi United which was prematurely ended with the score at 1-1 after the referee was hit by a missile.

Karoi United have been found guilty of causing the premature ending of the game.But, for the Scottland players, all their attention is on today’s game where they could break all sorts of records should they beat their plucky opponents.

They will become the first club in the history of football in this country, which will hand 30 Toyota Aquas to their players and coaches should they win.

We used an average price of US$7 000 for the car and that means Sir Wicknell, who made the pledge on Sunday, will fork at least US$210 000 for the cars.

With Scottland players being given US$2 000 each for their win over Harare City, that will add an extra US$60 000 to their cocktail of bonuses.

It has never happened for a local football club to get so much, in terms of financial rewards, for just 90 minutes of work.

Scottland ‘keeper, Panashe Nyabunga, says this is the game which will define their season.

Nyabunga has played a big role for his team with 16 clean sheets in 29 games.

“They (Herentals) are a decent side that should be approached with caution. But we have put our eyes on the prize.

“Vehicles are at stake but, I can’t say much about cars as I only have to focus on winning. We have to win first but all I can say is everything is under control,” he said.