Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND believe they are mentally and physically ready to finish the job when they face Nsingizini Hotspurs in the CAF Champions League preliminary round second leg at Somhlolo tomorrow.
The Zimbabwe champions arrived in Eswatini on Thursday afternoon, after spending three days on a training camp in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mabvirarira used the mini-camp to sharpen their preparations and adjust to the kind of conditions which are similar to those they will encounter on matchday, and also continue with the necessary team-bonding exercise.
Scottland carry a slender 1-0 advantage from last weekend’s first leg at the National Sports Stadium, with Cameroonian striker Neville Tengeg scoring the decisive goal after being set up by Emmanuel Jalai.
The roving Zimbabwe international right back had a good outing on the right channel.
“So far so good, the camp has been good.
“Everything is going well; it’s positive energy, positive vibes,” Scottland star midfielder Moses Shidolo told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
The Namibian midfielder has been one of the outstanding players at the Zimbabwean champions.
His partnership with Abubakar Moffat at the base of the midfield stifled Nsingizini in Harare last weekend.
Should the duo replicate that form, then Scottland might have another good day in the office against plucky opponents who have a tradition of making life difficult for visitors to Eswatini.
Shidolo feels tomorrow’s game could be decided mentally and physically.
Scottland just needs at least a draw to qualify for the CAF Champions League second round on their debut.
“To be honest, I think it’s about mentality, and we are fully prepared physically and mentally.
“As a team we are ready,” declared Shidolo.
Scottland, who are already without the experience and on-field leadership of injured ex-Warriors striker Knowledge Musona, arrived in Eswatini with the hope that another talismanic forward, Khama Billiat, shakes off a niggling knock from the first leg.
In a country that closely follows the South African Premiership, Billiat will no doubt be among the most popular faces in the Scottland ensemble from anong the Eswatini fans.
Billiat starred for giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, winning the Champions League title with the former in 2016 while also helping the later to a runners-up spot in the 2021 final.
This also makes Billiat the most experienced player in terms of Champions League football from the two teams who will contest tomorrow’s preliminary round clash.
While it is Nsingizini’s turn to use home advantage, Scottland will not be short of their own support after indications that hundreds of supporters are also expected to travel to Eswatini to root for Norman Mapeza’s side.
But Shidolo has urged those who will remain in Zimbabwe to pray for Scottland. The Mabvuku club’s president, Pedzai “Scott’’ Sakupwanya, has chartered a plane and has also arranged at least 10 buses for fans willing to travel and cheer for the Zimbabwean champions.
“To the fans, I want them to keep the positive mindsets for us.
“They have been fully behind us, and they should keep up the spirit.
“Support us from home big time and just keep us in your prayers.
“We will do the job for you guys and the badge,” Shidolo said.
