THE Division One Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) encounter pitting Scottland Football Club (FC) and Herentals Under 20 played at Rufaro Stadium Friday afternoon displayed the former’s determination to get promotion into the premier league.
To underscore the importance of the fixture, Scottland proprietor and Mabvuku-Tafara Member of Parliament Pedzisai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya attended the match alongside prominent ruling party Zanu PF-aligned figures and money bags, Wicknell Chivayo, Uebert Angel and Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Paul Mavima.
Interestingly, both teams are owned by Zanu PF legislators, the other being Innocent Benza.
Chivayo, a known spendthrift, had promised vehicles for the Scottland players if they won against Herentals Under 20. The lavish incentive buoyed the title chasing Scottland whose charges made their intentions very clear from the first whistle as they invaded the Herentals box.
Scottland thought they had scored in the 29th minute when Allan Gahadzikwa’s effort was ruled offside much to the frustration of their supporters.
After halftime Scottland continued from where they left in the first stanza and were duly rewarded as Cleopas Dube opened the scoring.
The goal appeared to have demoralised Herentals, who later succumbed to Leroy Mavhunga’s goal after he capitalised on the defensive mix up to send ‘The Students’ trailing 0-2.
Scottland winger King Nadolo acknowledged that his team showed up in the second half.
“I am happy with the performance in the second half. The first half was good but after the break it was exceptional,” said Nadolo.
This victory brings Scottland closer to promotion, as they are expected to be awarded three points Monday from an abandoned match against Karoi United, which has already been found guilty.
With this advantage over MWOS and the promise of vehicles from their owner Sakupwanya, Nadolo said they approached the game with pressure on themselves.
“At first we had that pressure but as the game progressed we calmed down and we had to get back to our basics. We told ourselves to keep doing what we were doing, let’s not put ourselves under any pressure,” said Nadolo.
Meanwhile MWOS FC beat Norton Community FC 4-2 at Ngoni Stadium to keep its hopes of clinching the NRSL alive and storm into the premier league.
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