SCOTTLAND head coach Norman Mapeza believes his players are finally speaking his tactical language.
As the reigning league champions prepare to face an inconsistent TelOne at Ascot Stadium today, the former Warriors gaffer is focused on one thing: to maintain the winning formula that has reignited their title defence.
After an uncharacteristically sluggish start to the campaign, marred by two opening draws, Scottland have found their swagger once again.
Consecutive victories in their last two outings have mirrored the dominant form that saw them crowned kings of domestic football last season.
Addressing the media ahead of the tricky trip to the Midlands, Mapeza emphasised that patience has been the secret ingredient to their recent resurgence.
“I think we’ve been very patient with whatever we’ve been doing. And now the results are coming. What is important now is for us to keep the momentum going,” Mapeza said.
Despite the growing curiosity regarding how he has fixed the early-season kinks, Mapeza was quick to downplay any radical tactical overhauls.
For him, the game remains grounded in fundamental principles.
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“We are not going to change anything. I cannot talk of strategy whatsoever,” he said.
“Look, football is more or less the same all over the world.
“It’s all about, as I always say, managing those key aspects of the game for us to get results.”
While the coach acknowledged that the “nature of play” can be adapted mid-match depending on the opposition, he remains committed to the core identity he has instilled in the squad.
“That’s the way I want the guys to play, and that’s what everyone understands.
“So we’re not going to change much in terms of our strategies.”
The trip to Gweru marks the beginning of a gruelling marathon for the champions.
Scottland are entering a congested fixture schedule that will see them navigate four games in just 15 days, including high-profile clashes against Highlanders, Bulawayo Chiefs and Dynamos.
“We always play our games to win, despite the fixture congestion.
“What is important for us is to make sure that the players get enough rest.
“That would be the most important thing,” Mapeza highlighted.
Ascot Stadium has historically been a tough place for visiting teams, but Mapeza is heading into the game with quiet confidence.
While he respects the venue’s reputation, his eyes are firmly on the three points.
“But look, any coach or player, when you go out there, you play for results,” he said.
“Of course, you might lose or draw, but most players, coaches, and supporters always want to go out there and play for a win.”
A hallmark of Scottland’s recent success has been a disciplined defensive line.
However, true to his philosophy, Mapeza refused to single out any defensive stalwarts for praise.
“Most of the time, I don’t want to talk much about individuals because football is all about teamwork. It’s different from tennis, where you go out there alone on the court.”
Beyond the pitch, Mapeza took a moment to address the fans and the wider public as the Easter holidays approach.
With road traffic expected to peak, the coach urged caution for those making the pilgrimage to Gweru.
“I would love to emphasise collective responsibility. As we approach the holidays, those travelling to Gweru or back to Harare need to look after themselves, especially on the road,” he said.
Easter Holiday fixtures
Today: Hunters vs ZPC Kariba (Heart), Triangle vs Agama (Gibbo), Hardrock vs Herentals (Chahwanda), Ngezi Platinum vs Caps United (Baobab), TelOne vs Scottland (Ascot), Bulawayo Chiefs vs Simba Bhora (Barbourfields), Manica Diamonds vs Chicken Inn (Green Fuel), Dynamos vs MWOS (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: Highlanders vs FC Platinum (Barbourfields)
Sunday: Simba Bhora vs Dynamos (Wadzanayi), Caps United vs Manica Diamonds (Rufaro)
Monday: Chicken Inn vs Hunters (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba vs TelOne (Nyamhunga), Triangle vs Hardrock (Gibbo), FC Platinum vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Mandava), Scottland vs Highlanders (Rufaro), Agama vs MWOS (Wadzanayi)
Tuesday: Herentals vs Ngezi Platinum (Rufaro)
