Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND haven’t kicked a ball in the Premier Soccer League as yet, but they are already leading the race in a way.
The team was only promoted into the elite class some six weeks ago from the Northern Region Soccer League, but they have already changed the football landscape completely.
They have become the richest team in the league with a massive US$2,5 million war-chest going into the 2025 season.
Barely 24 hours after receiving a US$1,5 million sponsorship shot for the 2025 season from Sakunda Holdings, the Mabvuku team last night got another massive boost when getting a US$1 million injection from IMC Communications which is fronted by Harare businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
When a single team receives US$2,5 million for a single season within a single day then you know the game has changed.
Here’s a club, formed just 10 months ago who have not only defied the odds by pipping favourites MWOS, Harare City and Black Rhinos to promotion, but have shown just how professionalism can commercialise the game.
They have been the best-paying team even when they were in the first division.
And they have just exemplified how football can be run as a business.
Ecobank senior executive Mike Dengwane who represented Chivayo hailed Scottland owner Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya for creating a rich network which is now paying dividends.
“Your network is your net-worth if I can say. I congratulate you Sakupwanya for receiving this massive boost,” said Dengwane.
“The US$1 million is for the team and also helping in the construction of the Mabvuku Stadium which you have undertaken to do.
“We know the stadium will not be used by Scottland only. It is for the whole community and the whole catchment area of Mabvuku including Tafara, Ruwa, Zimre Park, Eastview, Epworth and Msasa.
“We wish you all the best in the league and I can assure you that this sponsorship is not a once-off thing.
“We will continue to chip in and make sure you achieve whatever you have set out to achieve.”
Scottland chairman Tonderai Sakupwanya saluted Chivayo for the gesture.
“We are happy to be the torch bearers trying to be the game-changers in the circles,” said Sakupwanya.
“This means a great deal because as you know Scottland are not just embarking on success only in the field of play but we also want success off the field.
“And when I say that, we are looking at the stadium in Mabvuku, we are looking at programmes that help the youths.
“So we would like to thank Sir Wicknell Chivayo for his generosity.
“When we get sponsorship like this, everything becomes easy, acquisition of players becomes easy.”
Chivayo started chipping in when the team was in still in Division One and recently bought cars for the players.
He has pledged to keep on supporting the team when they embark on their Premiership journey next year.
daniel chigunwe
