Scott on Scottland: “We’re Building, Not Rushing for the Title”
Scottland Football Club owner Scott Sakupwanya says his team is going through a learning process in the Premier League and is not putting pressure on his club to win the league this season.
In an exclusive interview with the Zim Morning Post, the businessman, credited with bringing back excitement to local football, said his team is still trying to find its rhythm.
“The team is doing fairly well at the moment, although we lost to Ngezi. We have to move on and learn from our mistakes. Broadly speaking, we are in the Premier League to stay. It’s good that the fans are coming back to local matches, and as Scottland, we will deliver good football.
“We are not yet at the level we desire, but we will get there with time. The players are new, and some have never played with each other, so it will take time and patience for us to have a free-flowing team. The coach is obviously working on finding the right combinations, and I’m sure he will succeed.
“Yes, the club spent many days in Zambia on a training camp and came back straight into action. It’s still a work in progress, and our commitment is 100 percent. Scottland is a new baby.
“It’s not like we are desperate to win the league this season—no. We just want to compete and see where we will be by the end of the season. Then next season, there will obviously be an improvement, and we will then say, ‘Guys, let’s go for the title.’ But if we win anything this season, it’s a huge bonus,” said Sakupwanya.
Controversy hit Scottland’s match against Ngezi Platinum at Rufaro Stadium yesterday when the visitors were awarded a dubious penalty towards the end of the match. Ngezi converted the penalty to win the match 1-0, leading to wild celebrations among the CAPS United and Dynamos supporters who came in numbers to support the away team.
Already, conspiracy theorists are claiming there is a plot against Scottland in the league, given the thousands of fans who flock to every club’s match to support the opposing team.
But Sakupwanya chose leadership instead of confrontation.
“That’s the beauty of football—to see CAPS United and Dynamos fans, who are serious rivals, joining hands to support any team playing against Scottland. What this means is that fans are coming to support their teams, whether it’s against Scottland or in support of Scottland. What is important is for people to attend matches, be happy, and help football grow.
“Yes, we have many fans supporting opposing teams, but that’s what life is about. We cannot all agree, and that is why football is the greatest and most beautiful sport in the world. Whether that was a penalty or not is another issue—bottom line, we lost, and the referee’s decision is final.
“That’s the nature of football. It has talking points, and that penalty for Ngezi is one of those, but every match gives people something to discuss. We learn and move on,” said the businessman, who is also a Member of Parliament for Mabvuku-Tafara.
Sakupwanya said he is happy his investment is already bearing fruit, with thousands of fans turning up for their matches and interest growing throughout the country.
“Our next game is against Highlanders in Bulawayo, and I’m sure it will be packed as well. Football should be the winner. We have never played away from Harare in the Premier League, and playing in Bulawayo will be a new experience. As I said, we want to learn, and we will learn.
“Our boys should play with no pressure at all. We must take one step at a time, and we will get there,” said Sakupwanya.
