SCOTTLAND FC head coach Norman Mapeza is bracing for a gruelling Harare derby against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow, with both sides putting their unbeaten league records on the line.
For defending champions Scottland, the stakes are particularly high. Back-to-back draws have seen them drop points and slip to fifth on the log, leaving Mapeza’s men desperate to return to winning ways.
They currently sit on 13 points from seven matches, two behind fourth-placed Dynamos, making the encounter crucial in the early title race. Scottland are also six points adrift of log leaders Caps United, though they have a game in hand.
While buoyed by their recent Uhuru Cup triumph over Highlanders, Scottland’s preparations have been disrupted by fatigue and illness. Dynamos, by contrast, enter the fixture with a longer recovery period.
Speaking to journalists, Mapeza admitted his squad has not had an ideal build-up.
“If you recall, we took some of the senior players with us; some were not feeling well,” he said. “We just started our training today [yesterday] and we still have another session tomorrow [today] before final preparations.”
Despite Scottland’s emphatic 5-0 Castle Challenge Cup win over Dynamos on March 1, Mapeza warned against reading too much into past results.
“It was a good game, a massive morale booster,
- Mapeza wary of Diamond invasion
- Mapeza discovers another gem
- FC Platinum wary of dangerous WhaWha
- Mapeza salutes WhaWha
Keep Reading
but this is a different game,” he said.
“If you look at them now, they are very organised; they haven’t been losing. It’s a big game, and neither team has lost, so someone will break that record.”
Mapeza stressed that the outcome will likely depend on mentality and efficiency in front of goal, as Scottland failed to score in their last two league matches.
“We don’t need five or 10 chances, just maybe two opportunities,” he said. “It’s all about the mind when you’re playing such big games.”
Mapeza also noted that the midweek scheduling may affect attendance. “I would have preferred the game on a Sunday so many people could have come to watch. They’ve [Dynamos] always been pushed by their supporters; they have a huge fan base.”
On the injury front, striker Terrence Dzvukamanja remains a doubt after picking up a knock.
However, several senior players sidelined by illness have returned to training, boosting Mapeza’s options ahead of the crucial clash..
