SCOTTLAND FC coach Norman Mapeza is searching for his first win of the season in the league as his side faces Ngezi Platinum Stars today at Rufaro Stadium, a match he describes as “the game of the season”.
Both sides enter the fixture with high expectations, having lost their respective home games against each other last season, and the clash promises to be tightly contested.
Speaking at the pre-match Press conference, Mapeza highlighted the positives expectations from previous games, despite being held to a goalless draw.
“We had so many positives, despite us playing to a minimum goal,” he said.
“There was a lot which I picked, in terms of the performance of the team.”
Mapeza added that in the past two days, the team has been working hard to rectify issues identified in their draw against Hardrock.
“It was about chances… we need to convert those chances which we are going to create within the game of football.
“You might have 10, 15 chances, but for me to win a game, maybe just need one chance, just need one chance.”
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Scottland FC have strengthened their squad significantly with new signings, while Ngezi operate under a transfer ban and rely on a core of experienced players, who despite a thin squad, managed a 2-1 win over arch-rivals FC Platinum.
Mapeza praised his senior players for helping guide the squad.
“The senior guys they’ve been helping a lot.
“They’ve been there before.
“I know where the players are very, very good in helping the other players to go forward.”
He also acknowledged the psychological side of football, emphasising patience and resilience.
“If you keep missing opportunities during the game, sometimes you tend to get affected. Results will come,” the Scottland mentor said.
“We cannot start to say, ah, look, what’s going on for us. It’s all about the psychological part of football.”
Addressing concerns about the pitch at Rufaro Stadium, which has hosted multiple games during this rainy season, Mapeza remained cautious, but optimistic.
“As of now, we don’t know the condition of the pitch.
“We just pray that it won’t rain tomorrow.
“The players have to be prepared for football teams…not only for us.”
He confirmed that the squad remains largely unchanged from the Hardrock game, with most players training well and available, and concluded that Scottland are ready to challenge Ngezi and demonstrate their quality and determination on the field.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 2 fixtures
Today: Scottland v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: MWOS v TelOne (Ngoni), Simba Bhora v Hunters (Wadzanayi), FC Platinum v Manica Diamonds (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Hardrock (Nyamhunga), Chicken Inn v Triangle (Barbourfields), Caps United v Herentals College (Rufaro)
Sunday: Agama v Bulawayo Chiefs (Wadzanayi), Dynamos v Highlanders (Rufaro)
