Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A HUGE spectacle is expected to roll out when Dynamos and Scottland square up in the season-opening Castle Challenge Cup at Rufaro this afternoon.
The match kicks off at 2pm.Both clubs haven’t really assessed where they stand given the low-key games they have played in the off-season but their coaches are speaking highly of the squads they have in their folds.
That has only aided in putting the vitamins and fuel anticipation for this potential blockbuster.
The Glamour Boys remain the biggest football institution in terms of both success and support base, but Scottland know just how swagger and pure investment are helping them claim a stake on the high table.
The Mabvuku team made history by becoming the first team inside 41 years to win the league title in their debut season last term while DeMbare claimed their third successive Chibuku Super Cup.
And the two clubs face off to determine who is the all-round champion.
Dynamos are now once again under the supervision of coach Genesis “Kaka” Mangombe, who returned to the helm after nearly two years of toiling elsewhere.
He was the man in charge when DeMbare lost in this same match to Ngezi Platinum Stars in 2024, having led them to their first Chibuku Super glory the season before.
Mangombe was eventually chucked out and joined Scottland when they were in the Northern Region Soccer League whom he helped earn promotion into the Premier Soccer League.
However, the former Yadah gaffer never got the chance to lead Mabviravira in the top-flight following his sacking at the end of the Division One campaign in which he had never lost a match.
That means Mangombe can have a bone to chew with Scottland even when he tries hard to reveal it.
He has met the Mabvuku side just once since that unceremonious parting.
He was in charge of Triangle last season and their bloody tie at Gibbo ended goalless.
And this is not just the opportunity to finally show Scottland the quality they let go but a chance for Mangombe himself to win the Castle Challenge Cup at the second time of asking.
Dynamos are the defending champions after they beat Simba Bhora at the same venue last year.
“This is a tricky match against a tricky Scottland side,” Mangombe said.
“We have a new squad in our team as opposed to Scottland who have managed to retain the core of their team from last season.
“I am going into this match without harbouring any vengeance.
“I am squarely putting Dynamos first. We are the defending champions and we simply want to fence off the cup.
“We have been preparing so well for it and the players have been responding well.
“I am pretty sure that they will showcase themselves and be able to make the fans happy.
“We really need to win this cup to set the tone for our season. I am sure my youngsters will like it and I know they will come to the party.”
But Scottland look like a side that has made a serious covenant to be the dominant football force in this country.
Their ability to hold on to their stars from last season and even bringing on board coach Norman Mapeza from FC Platinum brings the body of evidence to this.
They held a glitzy kit unveiling ceremony in the capital on Friday night in which a jersey, signed by President Mnangagwa was auctioned for a whopping US$1million.
American hip-hop star Rick Ross was right there in the building, brought in by club owner Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya.
The off field glamour is unmatched not even by some of the most flamboyant clubs in Southern Africa like Mamelodi Sundowns.
And all the club chefs want to see now is dominance in the field of play.
Mapeza built an empire with FC Platinum and he wants to do the same with Scottland.
“I think we are ready for the match against Dynamos. It’s not going to be easy but we will try our best,” said Mapeza.
“What I want to see is the players doing what we have been doing at training over the past eight weeks that we have been preparing for the season.”
Mapeza has won this cup twice with FC Platinum before and wants to add his third while making a statement debut into his reign at Scottland.
