By Thomas Chidamba
SCOTTLAND FC, an ambitious Mabvuku-based football club, will compete in Zimbabwe’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) next season after winning the Northern Region Division One League on the final day.
Scotland, affectionately known as Mabviravira, triumphed over MWOS in a dramatic finish, clinching the sole ticket to the top tier. This victory marks a milestone for a club that has rapidly ascended through the ranks, defying expectations.
Founded a few years ago, Scottland FC aims to provide young people with football opportunities, steering them away from idleness and substance abuse. Pedzisai Scott Sakupwanya, a gold-buying mogul and Mabvuku Constituency Member of Parliament, envisioned using football for social change.
The club showed its intent for promotion with strategic signings, bringing in seasoned players like former Warriors left-back Ronald Pfumbidzayi, King Nadolo, Leeroy Mavhunga, Allen Gahadzikwa, and midfielder Denver Mukamba. Scotland also secured the services of veteran defender Lincoln Zvasiya, former Yadah goalkeeper Panashe Nyabunga, and ex-Warriors player Jimmy Dzingai. To top off its efforts, Scotland lured coach Genesis Mangombe from Dynamos.
Scottland’s ambition was evident in its financial backing. Sakupwanya showered players with incentives, including a pledge of $10,000 for each player if they secured promotion. Businessperson Wicknell Chivhayo also pledged substantial funds, including a $1 million reward for winning the league.
The club’s determination paid off when Scotland clinched the title, finishing just two points ahead of MWOS.
Sakupwanya shared his joy: “We fought a good fight, and today we made it. Whenever there are good things, there will always be naysayers, but we know that in life, if people are not talking about you, it means you’re not important.”
Coach Genesis Mangombe praised his players’ composure in the high-pressure finale: “The boys put in the fight and the work. I’m impressed with how they managed to calm themselves in such a high-pressure game. The support from the club and patron has been amazing.”
