The dream start for Premier Soccer League newcomers Scottland has turned sour fast. Behind their flashy signings lies a club in deep trouble with executive meddling, upset players, contract issues, and staff walking away.
Club founder Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya is at the center of problems many insiders claim have been brewing for months. Despite having stars like Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona and Warriors forward Khama Billiat, the team has shown poor results. After losing to Ngezi Platinum Stars, Sakupwanya publicly questioned how his team lost with stars "in every position."
Sources say the coach faces pressure to play favorites picked directly by Sakupwanya instead of making his tactical choices. Players report low spirits, with some regretting they joined despite good pay. Sakupwanya made matters worse when he praised his second team, N'ombeyawora, saying Scottland "should come take notes" after they won a game.
Deeper issues exist with contract handling, where players allegedly sign just one copy instead of the required four. People inside claim some staff forge the other copies with inflated numbers to steal from the salary budget, estimated at $120,000 monthly. The club atmosphere has caused both players and staff to leave, with digital manager Thulani Javas Sibanda recently departing for Bulawayo Chiefs.
With just 12 points from seven matches, Scottland sits five points behind rivals MWOS as talk grows about coach Tonderai Ndiraya's future. For a club that entered as title favorites with star power and big dreams, their greatest fight happens off the field. No amount of money can fix the cracks threatening to break apart the Mabvuku-based club.
Club founder Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya is at the center of problems many insiders claim have been brewing for months. Despite having stars like Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona and Warriors forward Khama Billiat, the team has shown poor results. After losing to Ngezi Platinum Stars, Sakupwanya publicly questioned how his team lost with stars "in every position."
Sources say the coach faces pressure to play favorites picked directly by Sakupwanya instead of making his tactical choices. Players report low spirits, with some regretting they joined despite good pay. Sakupwanya made matters worse when he praised his second team, N'ombeyawora, saying Scottland "should come take notes" after they won a game.
Deeper issues exist with contract handling, where players allegedly sign just one copy instead of the required four. People inside claim some staff forge the other copies with inflated numbers to steal from the salary budget, estimated at $120,000 monthly. The club atmosphere has caused both players and staff to leave, with digital manager Thulani Javas Sibanda recently departing for Bulawayo Chiefs.
With just 12 points from seven matches, Scottland sits five points behind rivals MWOS as talk grows about coach Tonderai Ndiraya's future. For a club that entered as title favorites with star power and big dreams, their greatest fight happens off the field. No amount of money can fix the cracks threatening to break apart the Mabvuku-based club.
