SCOTTLAND’S new head coach, Norman Mapeza, says the embarrassment of quality at his disposal has made his transition much easier, as the league champions prepare to begin their title defence with a high-octane trip to newly-promoted Hardrock at the pristine Chahwanda Stadium tomorrow.
The clash between the country’s two wealthiest clubs is the undisputed headline act of the opening weekend.
With the emergence of deep-pocketed projects like Scottland, Hardrock, MWOS FC and Simba Bhora alongside heavy reinvestment from traditional giants Caps United, Highlanders and Chicken Inn, the upcoming campaign is likely to be the most competitive season in recent memory.
While there is no clear preseason favourite, Scottland’s squad remains the most intimidating on paper.
Mapeza inherited a “Galacticos” style squad featuring the likes of former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona, his brother and current team captain Walter, Khama Billiat, Tymon Machope, Godknows Murwira and Namibian international Moses Shidolo.
Still, Mapeza added 11 more stars during the off-season, including Soccer Star of the Year finalists Emmanuel Ziocha and Abubakar Moffat, plus four additional internationals.
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For the former Warriors coach, managing such an array of egos and talent is a balancing act, but one he is currently relishing.
“It makes my job much easier because it’s much easier for the players to understand what I really want them to do,” Mapeza said at the club pre-match Press conference yesterday.
“They’re always there to help the up-and-coming youngsters as well.
“Sometimes if things are not going so well, it’s difficult to motivate them, but for now, their understanding of football has made my job much easier.”
The coach’s tactical blueprint was in devastating form last weekend, as Scottland dismantled Dynamos 5-0 in the season opening Castle Lager Challenge Cup at Rufaro Stadium.
While the result sent shockwaves through the league, Mapeza was quick to temper expectations.
“In terms of morale, it was a very good booster, but now the league is starting, it’s a totally different ballgame,” he cautioned.
Tomorrow’s opponents are unlikely to be the pushovers Dynamos were.
Backed by wealthy gold dealer Shepherd Chahwanda, Hardrock have undergone a total metamorphosis since winning promotion, retaining only four players from their lower-division campaign.
In their place, they have installed a dream squad anchored by reigning Soccer Star of the Year Washington Navaya and Warriors’ safe hands Martin Mapisa, as well as the mercurial Munashe Bamara.
They have also added a number of internationals for good measure.
This is not a team looking to avoid relegation.
It is a team built to disrupt the hierarchy.
“It’s always difficult to face a new squad,” Mapeza admitted.
“We heard stories about what they were doing during the off-season—the quality players they recruited from Simba Bhora and MWOS.
“It’s not going to be easy, but at the end of the day, it’s about us. We aren’t going to read much into their off-season; it’s about how we take up the game.”
As the whistle blows at Chahwanda Stadium tomorrow, the league will get its first real glimpse of whether Scottland’s established chemistry can withstand the flamboyant ambition of the top flight’s newest big spenders.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matchday 1 fixtures
Today: Herentals v Chicken Inn (Rufaro), Ngezi Platinum v FC Platinum (Boobab), Triangle v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo), TelOne v Dynamos (Ascot)
Tomorrow: Caps United v Agama (Rufaro), Manica Diamonds v Simba Bhora (Gibbo), Hardrock v Scotlland (Chahwanda), Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields)