SCOTTLAND FC coach Tonderai Ndiraya was full of praise for his players and new additions following the 5-2 demolition of FC Platinum at Mandava on Saturday.
Ndiraya believes this newfound quality and depth will be crucial in the tight race for the league title.
The flamboyant league debutants now sit second on the table with 46 points from 24 matches, just one point behind leaders and defending champions Simba Bhora.
For 22 matches, FC Platinum’s Mandava Stadium had been an impenetrable fortress, but on a memorable Saturday afternoon, it crumbled under a relentless assault from the visiting team.
Goals from Tymon Machope, Walter Musona, newboy Moses Shidolo and Albert Manenji sealed the victory, a performance that showcased the depth and quality of Scottland’s squad.
“I’m happy for those that made their debuts today, Knowledge Musona and Mafious Chiweta,” Ndiraya said.
“Their addition has really added a lot of value and given us a lot of options going forward.”
The coach highlighted the impact of the new signings, noting that their arrival has created healthy competition within the squad.
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This pressure is bringing the best out of his existing players, a point he illustrated with a specific example.
“I’m happy with the depth. The coming in of the new players has also pushed those we’ve always had,” the Scottland mentor said.
“Look at Tymon Machope at pressing today. His colleagues are really pushing him, and the pressure from those sitting on the bench is pushing him to do what he’s doing.
“He’s scored three goals in two games. That’s what you want from your leading striker.”
Ndiraya emphasised that while quality is essential, it should be paired with effort.
“The quality showed today (is something impressive). And I’m happy that today, we saw the running from the quality that we have, and that got us the results.”
Despite the impressive victory, Ndiraya was careful to downplay any talk of the match being a title decider.
“There are 10 games to go, 30 points to play for. The race is very tight,” he cautioned.
“We’ve won five games on the trot. Very impressive. Hopefully, we can keep on doing the same.”
The dismantling of FC Platinum marks a significant milestone in Scottland’s season.
With a deep squad, a coach who demands both quality and hard work and a newfound consistency, they have firmly established themselves as serious contenders for the league title.
Focus now shifts to the Chibuku Super Cup, where the flamboyant side will be making a debut. They play Green Fuel at Sakubva on Sunday.
