Scottland make history: The new kings of Zimbabwean football
STAFF WRITER
The rain came down moments after Israel Nhevera’s final whistle — but not even the heavens could wash away the euphoria that swept through Ascot Stadium yesterday.
Scottland Football Club completed a fairytale season, becoming the first team in 41 years to win the Premier Soccer League title in their debut top-flight campaign, sealing their triumph with a commanding victory over Kwekwe United.
It was a moment of pure history — a record rewritten and a new chapter etched in Zimbabwean football. The last time a debutant side lifted the league title was in 1984 when Black Rhinos achieved the feat in their maiden season.
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya was quick to reflect on the magnitude of the achievement.
“I think we are the first team since Black Rhinos won the league in 1984 as debutants,” said Ndiraya. “But the difference between us and Black Rhinos is that they were assembled in Division One, won the title there, and then won again in the PSL. We assembled our team this year — a strong team for that matter — and won the title in our very first season. Here we are.”
Scottland’s march to glory was built on focus, investment and resilience. From the opening day, they played like men on a mission, showing consistency and character throughout the season. Their 5-1 demolition of Kwekwe United — who ended the match a man short — was a fitting finale.
Tymon Machope struck twice, with Khama Billiat, Tadiwa Chakuchichi and Ronald Pfumbidzai adding a goal apiece to seal a commanding victory and cap off a season that many had written off as improbable.
For Ndiraya, who has now achieved the rare distinction of winning the PSL title in successive seasons with two different clubs — after guiding Simba Bhora to glory last year — this was vindication after months of scrutiny.
“There was lots of negativity around the recruitment policy back then, but I’m happy that in the end, we have the last laugh,” he said.
“I want to give credit to the club president, the Honourable MP himself, Pedzai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya, for taking a bold decision to invest in football — and not just in football, but in quality players who have taken us this far.
“He’s the leader of the ship. Technically, I’m the head, but he’s the leader, he’s the owner of the team. Then of course, the club chairman, ironically my namesake, Tonderai Sakupwanya, for leading his executive committee so, so well.”
Ndiraya admitted the season had its share of turbulence, but unity within the team and management steadied the ship.
“In a set-up, there are always hurdles. But what was good was that we came together, sat down, discussed issues and came up with solutions,” he said.
“At some point, I could hear the noise in the corridors, but I must also give credit to the management for sticking with us. That gave us confidence and in the end, here we are today — we’ve won the league title. It was a great team effort.”
Scottland’s success, he added, was built on thorough preparation and discipline.
“It all started with the recruitment we did for the first round of matches and a very good pre-season. We trained in Harare, went to Kariba, then crossed over to Zambia. That was probably the best pre-season among the Premier League teams,” said Ndiraya.
“The players have achieved as a unit. My back-room staff worked tirelessly through sleepless nights despite the negativity around us. But in the end, we stuck together, worked together, and here we are today, celebrating.”
The triumph was also a milestone for returning stars Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat, who both lifted their first Zimbabwean Premiership title after long and illustrious stints abroad.
With two games to spare, Scottland will officially be crowned champions at their home ground when they face TelOne on the final day of the season — a fitting climax to what has been a dream debut campaign.
