Scottland FC completed their remarkable debut season in the Northern Region Soccer League with a 3-1 victory over Black Mambas at Rufaro yesterday, earning them promotion to the Premier League.
This success story, built on determination and strong organization, unfolded before a packed crowd at the iconic stadium. The journey began with a last-minute decision by club president Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya to invest in a first-division franchise, assembling a team with limited professional experience due to player availability.
One constant throughout was the team’s unwavering belief under the guidance of ambitious coach Isaac Nyasulu. They proved their mettle early in the season by overcoming favorites MWOS, hinting at their championship aspirations. Mid-season, Scottland FC enhanced their squad with seasoned players like Leeroy Mavhunga, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Allan Gahadzikwa, and Cleopas Dube. Former Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe also joined, with Nyasulu stepping into an assistant role.
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Scottland’s determination was tested in their final league match against Black Mambas, who had recently disrupted MWOS’s campaign. With Scottland just two points ahead of MWOS and requiring an outright win due to their goal difference, it was a tense match. Black Mambas looked strong early on, but Scottland found their rhythm when Pfumbidzai converted a penalty in the 26th minute after a foul on Mavhunga. Mavhunga then added a second goal before halftime, though Black Mambas’ Munyaradzi Dambudza managed to narrow the score.
In the second half, Scottland controlled the game, securing a third goal from Mavhunga and sealing their place among the league’s top teams. The match was attended by key figures in football, including Herentals owner Innocent Benza, who congratulated Sakupwanya on the achievement.
Coach Mangombe praised his players’ resilience under pressure, expressing pride in their focus and composure. Sakupwanya credited the team’s faith and support for their success, saying, “This journey wasn’t easy, but we never lost hope. Others tried to hold us back, but we remained determined, and today, we succeeded.”
MWOS also won their game 1-0, but Scottland’s two-point advantage held, confirming their promotion.
