Online Reporter
Lawrence Moyo
PREMIER Soccer League newcomers Scottland believe they have fulfilled their objective in reviving interest in the domestic Premiership and are hoping the traditional giants will retain their Premiership status.
Scottland attracted a bumper crowd at Rufaro on Saturday despite charging US$5 for the cheapest ticket against a relegation-threatened Dynamos side that had struggled for decent crowds all season. Dynamos came from behind to win 3-2 against the title chasers and join four other teams on 28 points, boosting their survival hopes with seven more matches remaining, including dates with CAPS United and Highlanders.
Scottland stayed second, two points behind reigning champions and leaders Simba Bhora, who were held to a goalless draw at Greenfuel.
Simba Bhora will host Scottland at Wadzanai in a potential title decider when the league resumes on the weekend of September 13-14, following the international break.
In a statement to thank, in particular, Dynamos fans for turning out in numbers and making the Harare derby a lively encounter, Scottland believe they are partly behind the revival of interest in local football.
“Congratulations to Dynamos Football Club for winning our Harare Derby 3-2 at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
“Those were three valuable points and probably felt like SIX.
“We could have moved top of the log standings with a win, but it was NOT our day, and we will regroup for the next assignment.
“When the sound of ‘Manhanga matete’ died down in Mbare last night, Zimbabwean football was the BIGGEST winner beyond Rufaro Stadium,” reads part of the statement.
They also revealed that their question on who was to occupy the Vietnam was part of banter ahead of the clash.
“We say thank you to Dynamos fans for almost filling up the Vietnam Stand and for the electric atmosphere before, during and after the match.
“That’s ALL we wanted from you, and you delivered.
“Forget the banter, it was never about the Vietnam Stand nor the blue kit. It was about restoring football to its past levels where stadiums filled up week, in week out and especially when Dynamos were playing.
“As Scottland FC, we have played our part in reviving interest in domestic football and things WILL get even better if traditional heavyweights, Dynamos and Highlanders, stay in the Premier Soccer League.
“Thank you again to everyone, who made football the winner at Rufaro yesterday.”
Scottland coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, feels they deserve credit for the huge crowd at matches this season, including at Rufaro on Saturday.
“Great environment, this is what we wish for each and every game. But again, I think we must also give it to Scottland.
“The effect and impact that the team has had in this league is quite amazing. It’s not new to Dynamos but for Scottland to really compete and bring such a huge crowd is amazing.
“There was a lot of excitement even before the match, the buildup. We must give it to those that are also managing the league and the two clubs for really going out and market this fixture.
“This was a very huge crowd and to imagine people were paying (at least) US$5 is quite surprising.” Ndiraya said their winning run was bound to end although they had not expected the defeat to come against Dynamos.
Saturday’s defeat ended a seven-match winning streak in the Premiership.
“When you go on a winning streak, naturally the bubble will burst at some point and so it did burst today.
“It is something we anticipated but we never thought it would come today.
“From the onset we knew Dynamos would have more energy than us, in fact Dynamos do this in every game they play because of the push that will be coming from their fans and that gave them an edge today.
“Our team never got to play the way we usually do and that is how we conceded the three goals we conceded, the reaction was not good today.
“Dynamos were hungrier, we tried to address it at half-time, but we came back with the same attitude, we were just casual today. Dynamos wanted it more and, with their effort, they were rewarded.
“So well done to Dynamos. From our end, tough luck. But I do not want to take away the effort that was put by the team in the past eight games. I think we are the only team that won seven games on the trot.
“So, to take that away from the players just because of the defeat today will be unfair.
“Apart from the defeat, I thought it was a very good game for the supporters. Witnessing five goals in a match is really amazing.”
Mathew Masinge