IN a fairytale story to the 2024/2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, debutants Scottland FC made history on Sunday, clinching the coveted league title in their very first attempt.
The dramatic 5-1 routing of Kwekwe United at Ascot Stadium confirmed their status as champions, sparking wild celebrations that were soon accompanied by a timely downpour — a metaphorical shower of blessings for the new kings of Zimbabwean football.
Scottland’s journey from a virtual greenhorn to league champions is a narrative steeped in ambition, ridicule and ultimate redemption.
During the pre-season, the club was mockingly branded the “Coffee Boys” by fans from rival clubs.
This moniker was earned due to the team’s visible social media presence, which frequently featured players enjoying coffee during training sessions—an act dismissed as vain flamboyance in the traditionally no-frills top-flight league.
“I still remember those things coming through because of the work that we were doing in Zambia,” remarked head coach Tonderai Ndiraya, reflecting on the pre-season period that included training camps in Harare, Kariba and a robust tour of Zambia.
The negativity extended beyond the nickname. At the start of the season, Scottland was arguably the most hated team in the league.
Fans would flock to stadiums not necessarily to support their local team, but to actively cheer against the newcomers. Naturally, this hostile environment contributed to a struggling start for the ambitious side.
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The foundation of Scottland’s success lies in the massive investment by club owner Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya.
He took the bold decision to assemble an all-star cast, bringing together some of the best talent in the country.
The squad boasts an incredible array of national team players, including Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Tymon Machope, Knowledge Musona, Godknows Murwira and Mthokozisi Msebe.
Foreign imports such as Namibian Moses Shidolo and Malawian Khuda Myamba added crucial value.
Ndiraya was quick to credit the team leadership: “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, not just in football, investing in quality players that have taken us that far.”
The tide truly turned midway through the season with the arrival of several key players.
Ndiraya highlighted the impact of the mid-season signings: “Brought in Knowledge Musona, unexpectedly, then Terrence Dzvukamanja, Moses Shidolo from Namibia, then the Mafios Chihweta from Highlanders, Khuda Myama from Malawi. And, I think those five players changed things for us.”
He specifically singled out the “Smiling Assassin”, Knowledge Musona, who “brought in a lot of stability in our team, a lot of leadership, which was probably lacking in the first half”.
Scottland’s presence was a boon for the entire league. They established a huge following, becoming a magnet for spectators and filling stadiums wherever they played.
Their distinct brand was visible and accessible, with merchandise readily available. By deservedly winning the league title, Scottland FC injected much-needed life back into the local game, successfully drawing fans back to the terraces.
Despite the glamour, the journey was a hard-fought marathon. Ndiraya alluded to the internal and external challenges.
“I must admit along the way, it was difficult. At some point, I could hear the noise in the corridors, but I must give credit to the management for sticking with us and then giving us confidence,” he said.
He also praised the mental fortitude of his team to overcome the initial animosity: “I remember when we were attending matches, there were some matches where you could see that about 75% of the people in the stadium are against you. And I think that drove our players. We then had to work on our players mentally.”
With an unassailable 65 points from 32 matches, and two games remaining, Scottland FC now travel to Shamva to face GreenFuel FC tomorrow.
For now, however, the focus remains on the ultimate triumph.
From the Coffee Boys to league champions, Scottland FC are laughing the last.
