Zimpapers Sports Hub

SCOTTLAND never looked like a team with enough clout to claim the Premiership title when the 2025 season started.
Despite boasting a star-studded squad and enjoying a solid pre-season, the Mabvuku team struggled to find their footing.
Their opening match against Triangle at Rufaro was a brutal wake-up call, with Munashe Bamara exposing Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Vassili Kawe, and Frederick Ansah-Botchway. Although Scottland managed to squeeze out a win, the next nine games were far from convincing.

Coach Tonderai Ndiraya’s side looked disjointed, with their array of stars struggling to gel as a team. But Ndiraya remained convinced that his team had potential, and a heart-to-heart with Triangle coach Luke Masomere after the match sparked something within him.
“The opening game was a reality check,” Ndiraya recalled.
“Masomere told us to focus and keep our eyes on the ball, and we’d win the Premiership title. Those words stuck with me, and they inspired us when things got tough.”

Despite having a top-eight finish as a target, Ndiraya wasn’t content with mediocrity. The reigning coach of the year, fresh from delivering the league title to Simba Bhora, knew his team was stronger than that. “We had an incredible pre-season in Zambia, thanks to the investment from our owner Pedzai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya,” Ndiraya said. “We came back home prepared, but our start was shaky. However, I knew we had a strong team, and once we hit the 10-game mark, things started to fall into place.”

The game-changer came during the mid-season transfer window when Sakupwanya splashed out on some big-name signings. Knowledge Musona, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Moses Shidolo, Mafios Chihweta, and Khuda Muyaba brought a new dimension to the team, injecting fresh energy.
“Those five players changed everything for us,” Ndiraya added.
“They brought a different level of stability, leadership, and quality. We started winning games, and I remember our seven-match winning streak that took us close to the top.”

Ndiraya singled out Musona for special praise, crediting him with bringing stability and leadership to the team. The turning point came when Scottland won against Manica Diamonds at Rufaro Stadium, sending a clear message to their rivals that they were contenders. From there, it was a matter of managing the momentum until the end.

With so much talent in the squad, Ndiraya knew rotation was key to managing energy levels and building hunger amongst the players.
“We had quality in every position, and we had to devise ways to keep them hungry, starting with our goalkeepers,” he said.
“Anyone who lost a match wouldn’t be involved in the next game. It worked wonders for our energy levels and zeal.”
Centre-back Kevin Moyo, a contender for the Soccer Star of the Year award, played all but one of the 32 matches.
“The rotation has been fantastic,” Moyo said. “You knew you had to be at your best to retain your place in the team. It worked wonders for us, and here we are.”

Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub