SCOTTLAND FC president Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya says the club's quest for multiple trophies this season is under increasing pressure after defeat in the Toyota Cup, with a congested fixture schedule threatening their domestic title defence.
Scottland's hopes of a clean sweep of silverware suffered a setback recently when they lost to South African side Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup.
Speaking on the club's in-house Mabviravira Show, Sakupwanya acknowledged that the defeat had dented his ambition of winning every competition.
"I know I said we were going to collect every trophy. Now the Toyota Cup has slipped out of our hands," he said.
"But the purpose of that tournament was to give everyone a chance, especially those who don't get regular game time."
Scottland lead the Premier Soccer League standings but face a demanding schedule that includes the CafChampions League, the Munhumutapa Cup and the Chibuku Super Cup.
Sakupwanya said fixture congestion posed the biggest challenge as the club pursues another league title.
"As it stands, if we drop points, Hardrock will close to within one point despite us having a game in hand."
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Scottland were given another warning at the weekend when they survived a late scare against MWOS FC after referee Quedisani Dirwai turned down a penalty appeal in stoppage time, a decision that drew widespread debate.
Despite the Toyota Cup disappointment, Sakupwanya remains confident the club has the depth to compete on multiple fronts following recent additions to the squad.
"If you watched the game, the coach played two different teams in each half, and both looked equally strong," he said.
"Player rotation is the only way Scottland can survive the battles ahead."
Scottland next face Oden FC in the Munhumutapa Cup before turning their attention to a league game in hand against an in-form Dynamos side, which sits third on the table and is unbeaten in 14 matches.
With multiple fronts to fight on and rivals breathing down their necks, Scottland’s title defence is now a test of depth, nerve and stamina.
For Sakupwanya and his team, the dream is still alive — but the margin for error has all but vanished.
