Sinokubonga Nkala
Innocent Kurira
DESPITE significant investment in new players, Scottland FC’s dismal performance at the Champion of Champions tournament has exposed the limitations of simply throwing money at a problem.
The Northern Region champions, who were widely tipped to dominate the competition, finished last, losing 5-3 on penalties to ZPC Hwange in their opening match.
In the third-place play off, they were outclassed by Kwekwe United, who won 3-1.
Although the tournament didn’t feature the team’s new signings, the shocking result has prompted the club’s secretary-general, Fortune Bgwoni, to acknowledge the need for a more strategic approach to squad building to ensure competitiveness in the Premier League.
After the tournament, Bgwoni conceded that the team’s poor showing was a wake-up call, highlighting the need for a more strategic approach to squad building.
“This was an eye-opener for our team. It has shown us that to compete in the Premier League, we need to boost our team.
“We have identified some of the players we want for next season. What is left now is to start negotiating with them,” he said.
Bgwoni declined to reveal the players on their wishlist, but CAPS United midfielder Kingsley Mureremba was unveiled as their player yesterday. Several other top players, including Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Godfrey Makaruse, Marvelous Chigumira, McKinnon Mushore and Talbert Shumba, are reportedly on their way to Scotland.
The team’s poor results have also cast doubt on the future of coach Genesis Mangombe.
Tonderayi Ndiraya, who is believed not be renewing his contract with Simba Bhora at the end of the year, is being linked with the Scottland job.
Meanwhile, Joel Luphahla, Dynamos’ assistant coach, is reportedly in line to take over at Simba Bhora.
Luphahla, who recently won the Chibuku Super Cup trophy with the Glamour Boys, has previously worked as head coach at TelOne and as an assistant coach at Highlanders.
