Sakupwanya bets big on Scottland FC, builds US$12M football empire

HARARE — Scottland FC owner and Mabvuku MP, Scott Sakupwanya, believes his ambitious plans for the club will transform Zimbabwean football, which has been losing fans to foreign leagues and facing a drain of talent abroad while battling rising drug abuse among youth.

Speaking during an interview with Danny J, Sakupwanya said his vision extends beyond football—to revitalizing Mabvuku and uplifting youth through sports. He dismissed accusations that he is a thief or a nefarious businessperson, insisting that his wealth comes from hard work, loyalty, and trust.

He added that corporate sponsors and banks have shown confidence in his vision by investing US$12 million in Scottland FC, trusting that the funds will be used responsibly.

“When you call me a thief, banks still want to work with, corporates still want to work with me because they understand what others don’t see…People will soon see—we are going very far,” he said.

Sakupwanya revealed that Scottland FC is building modern facilities to create a professional environment for players.

“By halfway through this coming season, our Mabvuku home ground should be finished. We will start the season playing at Rufaro Stadium, but by the second half, this stadium should be complete,” he said. “(At Mabvuku Number Stadium) we are constructing terraces, changing rooms, a clubhouse, four-bedroom units, conference centers, gyms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.”

Beyond football, Sakupwanya is also completing an 11-bed clinic in Mabvuku to improve healthcare access, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community where he was born and raised.

“From the money we are getting from our sponsors, we are building four-bedroom housing units and other amenities. By the end of February, some of these units will be complete,” he said.

Tracing his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a mining mogul, Sakupwanya recounted how trust and loyalty shaped his career.

“I grew up in Mabvuku, born at Mabvuku Clinic. I went to Donnybrook Primary School and Mabvuku High School. I ended my schooling at Form 2 because I was passionate about football,” he said. “During my school days, I worked at Donnybrook helping white families with their bikes and gardens. At 16, I was promoted to mine manager because I was loyal and trustworthy.”

Reflecting on his early days in the gold industry, he said, “I used to be given gold without any money. I would take gold from Bulawayo to Harare, assembling 45 kilograms to sell. Up to now, you won’t hear anyone say Scott has my money and never gave it back—I would be in jail. But I am clean.”

He rejected claims that political connections are necessary to succeed in the gold business, encouraging aspiring miners to seek information from the Ministry of Mines and conduct thorough research.

Sakupwanya views his investment in football as both a business opportunity and a way to uplift youth.

“Soccer is business. I have seen many talented youngsters who can become millionaires through soccer. To build a brand, you have to spend, so I sought sponsors and partners to ensure salaries are paid on time,” he said. “We are at a time in our country when youths are turning to drugs. We are trying to show that soccer is work. At Scottland, players are at work.”

Scottland FC chairman Tonderai Sakupwanya expressed confidence in the club’s future, attributing its potential success to Hon. Sakupwanya’s passion and commitment.

“Soccer was on its deathbed in Zimbabwe, but Scottland is reviving it. If you look at how we treat our players and our business model, it shows our commitment. Hon. Sakupwanya has created a buzz that will help us achieve success,” he said.

He revealed that the team has been in camp for a month, with players receiving allowances and nutritional support.

“Our team is currently in Zambia on a two-week pre-season to prepare for the upcoming season. We have nutritionists who manage the players’ diets, and there isn’t a single person disgruntled over money,” he said.

Scottland FC has secured significant financial backing, including US$12 million in sponsorships.

“We have Sakunda on board, which gave us US$1.6 million, and IMC contributed another US$1 million. Various other sponsors have made and honored their pledges because they believe in Hon. Sakupwanya’s vision,” the chairman said.

He also highlighted the club’s commercial strategy, including the sale of official jerseys.

“We have top-quality Scottland FC jerseys selling for US$40, available even at our offices. Some of the money from jersey sales helps fund our operations,” he said.

Despite being newcomers to the league, Scott Sakupwanya is confident in the club’s prospects.

“I know we are debutants, but this season, we will win. I always tell people that all you need is passion and heart. Through prayer, nothing is impossible,” he said.

He contrasted Scottland FC’s approach with traditional clubs like Dynamos and CAPS United, arguing that their failure to commercialize their brands led to a player exodus to South Africa. “At Scottland, we treat it as a business. By the end of the season, our players should be getting dividends,” he said.

Responding to accusations of being a nefarious businessman with “dirty hands,” Sakupwanya dismissed the claims as laughable.

When asked whether his success is politically driven, Sakupwanya was emphatic. “Never. Dynamos is sponsored by Sakunda and has over a million supporters. I told my chairman and the team to dream big—if they don’t, I’ll move to Dynamos. But what are they selling to their supporters?”

He underscored the importance of financial transparency. “Every cent must be accounted for. Our sponsorships are for five years, and we must prove every year that we are worth the investment,” he said.

He attributed his success to self-belief and strategic connections. “When I met Floyd Mayweather and heard his story, I thought, if he can make it, why can’t I? People say I’m politically connected—I’m not. If your phone doesn’t have the number of at least one millionaire, you haven’t started looking for money,” he said. Sakupwanya, whose wife runs the Scott Foundation, confirmed his charitable efforts in Mabvuku.

“It’s correct that I gave US$500,000 in my constituency last Christmas. I invited everyone in Mabvuku, regardless of political affiliation, to receive groceries. Helping others is a prayer on its own—what you give is what you receive,” he said. “I pay school fees for thousands of children. At any funeral in Mabvuku, I provide food. My wife runs the Scott Foundation, assisting the elderly, people with disabilities, and anyone in need,” he said.