HARARE – Scottland FC owner and Mabvuku MP, Scott Sakupwanya, believes his ambitious plans for the club will help transform the trajectory of Zimbabwean football, which has been losing fans to foreign leagues and seeing a drain of talent abroad and losing talent to drugs.
Speaking during an interview with Danny J, Sakupwanya said his goal is not just to improve the quality of football in the country but also to revitalize the community of Mabvuku and uplift youth through sports.
“By halfway through this coming season, our Mabuku home ground should be finished. As we start the season, our home matches will be in Rufaro Stadium, but when we get into the second half, this stadium should be complete,” Sakupwanya said.
“We are constructing terraces, changing rooms, a clubhouse, four-bedroom units, conference centers, gyms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.”
The businessman is also completing an 11-bed clinic in the area in Mabvuku, aiming to improve healthcare access.
Sakupwanya, who grew up in Mabvuku, emphasized his commitment to giving back to the community.
“From the money we are getting from our sponsors, we are building four-bedroom housing units. We will also construct conference centers, gyms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and other amenities for companies to use. By the end of February, some of these units will be complete,” he said. “We also have an Olympic-size swimming pool.”
Sakupwanya, who left school after Form 2, traced his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a mining mogul.
“I grew up in Mabvuku, born at Mabvuku Clinic. I went to Donnybrook Primary School and Mabvuku High School. I ended my schooling at Form 2 because I was passionate about football,” he said. “During my school days, I worked at Donnybrook helping white families with their bikes and gardens. At 16, I was promoted to mine manager because of my loyalty and trust.”
Reflecting on his early days in the gold industry, Sakupwanya recounted how trust enabled him to handle large quantities of gold without initial capital.
“I used to be given gold without any money. I would take gold from Bulawayo to Harare, assembling 45 kilograms to sell. Up to now, you won’t hear anyone say Scott has my money and never gave it back—I would be in jail. But I am clean,” he said.
He dismissed claims that entering the gold business was easy or needed political connection, urging aspiring miners to seek information from the Ministry of Mines and conduct thorough research.
Sakupwanya also addressed his investment in football, asserting that it is both a business opportunity and a way to uplift youth.
“Soccer is business. I have seen a lot of talented youngsters who can turn into millionaires through soccer. To build a brand, you have to spend, so I sought sponsors and partners to ensure salaries are paid on time,” he said. “We are at a time in our country when youths are turning to drugs. We are trying to show that soccer is work. At Scottland, players are at work.”
Scottland FC chairman Tonderai Sakupwanya expressed confidence in the club’s future, attributing its potential success to Hon. Sakupwanya’s passion and commitment.
“Soccer had died in Zimbabwe, but Scottland is reviving it. If you look at how we treat our players and our business model, it shows our commitment. Hon. Sakupwanya has created a buzz that will help us achieve success,” he said.
He revealed the team has been in camp for a month, with players receiving allowances and nutritional support.
“Our team is currently in Zambia on a two-week pre-season to prepare for the upcoming season. We have nutritionists who manage the players’ diets, and there isn’t a single person disgruntled over money,” he said.
Scottland FC has secured significant financial backing, including a total of US$12 million in sponsorships.
“We have Sakunda on board, which gave us US$1.6 million, and IMC contributed another US$1 million. Various other sponsors have made and honored their pledges because they believe in Hon. Sakupwanya’s vision,” the chairman said.
He also highlighted the club’s commercial strategy, including the sale of official jerseys.
“We have top-quality Scottland FC jerseys selling for US$40, available even at our offices. Some of the money from jersey sales helps fund our operations,” he said.
Despite being newcomers to the league, Sakupwanya is confident in the club’s prospects.
“I know we are debutants, but this season, we will win. I always tell people that all you need is passion and heart. Through prayer, nothing is impossible,” he said.
He contrasted Scottland FC’s approach with traditional clubs like Dynamos and CAPS United, saying their failure to commercialize their brands led to a player exodus to South Africa. “At Scottland, we treat it as a business. By the end of the season, our players should be getting dividends,” he said.
Responding to accusations of being a nefarious businessman with “dirty hands,” Scottland FC owner and Mabvuku MP, Scott Sakupwanya, dismissed the claims as laughable.
When asked whether his success is politically driven, Sakupwanya dismissed the notion. “Never. Dynamos is sponsored by Sakunda and has over a million supporters. I told my chairman and the team to dream big—if they don’t, I’ll move to Dynamos. But what are they selling to their supporters?”
Sakupwanya also underscored the importance of financial transparency. “Every cent must be accounted for. Our sponsorships are for five years, and we must prove every year that we are worth the investment,” he said.
He attributed his success to self-belief and strategic connections. “When I met Floyd Mayweather and heard his story, I thought, if he can make it, why can’t I? People say I’m politically connected—I’m not. If your phone doesn’t have the number of at least one millionaire, you haven’t started looking for money,” he said.
Sakupwanya concluded by asserting that financial institutions recognize his business acumen despite public criticism. “When you call me a thief, banks still want to work with me because they understand what others overlook. People will soon see—we are going very far,” he said.
