mbulelo smpofu
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
A massive shift is on the horizon in Zimbabwean football as recently promoted Scottland FC is poised to become an instant title contender in their maiden season. The Mabvuku-based side has secured a staggering US$1,5 million per season sponsorship deal with energy giants Sakunda Holdings, surpassing the US$1 million per season deals for traditional giants Dynamos and Highlanders.
This substantial investment is set to propel Scottland FC to the forefront of Zimbabwean football, with the team’s financial muscle likely to attract top talent. The likes of CAPS United midfielder Kingsley Mureremba have already made the switch, with several other high-profile players, including Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Peter Muduhwa, Marvellous Chikuhwa and Lynoth Chikuhwa reportedly also on their way.
The team’s ambitious plans extend beyond the pitch, with the construction of a 15 000-seater stadium in Mabvuku underway. Sakunda Holdings has committed to providing Scottland with state-of-the-art playing, training and travelling kits as well as facilitating a study tour of world-class stadiums to inform the design of their new arena.
As Scottland prepares to flex its financial muscle, traditional giants Dynamos and Highlanders are facing an uncertain future. The duo’s financial struggles have over the years resulted in an exodus of top players, with many seeking greener pastures at financially stable clubs. With financially strong teams like 2025 champions Simba Bhora, Scottland and the Platinum teams, it’s a long way to the title for the traditional big three: Highlanders, Dynamos and CAPS United.
It’s been 18 years since Bosso won the league title, 10 years since DeMbare won it and eight years since CAPS United were champions. Football legends Johannes Ngodzo and Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda have expressed concerns about the plight of the traditional giants.
“It’s a sad reality that our traditional powerhouses are struggling to compete for the league title due to financial constraints. The likes of Dynamos and Highlanders have been the backbone of Zimbabwean football for decades but it’s clear that they’re no longer able to attract and retain top talent due to financial limitations. It’s not just about the money, though.
“It’s also about the lack of investment in infrastructure, youth development, and coaching staff. These teams need to adapt to the changing landscape of Zimbabwean football and find ways to become more sustainable and competitive. As a legend of the game, it pains me to see these iconic teams struggling. I hope that they can find a way to regain their footing and return to their former glory. The league is just not the same without them competing at the highest level,” said Ngodzo.
Sibanda shares the same sentiments.
“I’m being brutally honest here but as long as the financial situation doesn’t improve at the big clubs, they can forget about winning the league. That’s the harsh reality. Football is a career and once you get a break as a player, you have to take the opportunity. Unfortunately, the traditional giants are no longer the attractive option they once were.
“However, I believe these big clubs have a strong brand that they can leverage on to attract huge sponsorship deals. They need to use their brand power to become a destination of choice for top players and sponsors. If they can get their financial house in order, there’s no reason why they can’t return to their former glory,” said Sibanda.
Can the traditional giants arrest their decline and mount a challenge against those with financial muscle like Scottland? Only time will tell.
