Scottland’s fairytale start turns sour amid internal turmoil
What began as a fairytale debut season for Premier Soccer League newcomers Scottland is rapidly turning into a cautionary tale.
Behind the glitz of high-profile signings and social media buzz, the Mabvuku-based club is grappling with internal strife, including executive interference, player discontent, contract controversies and staff departures that threaten to unravel its foundations.
Founder and financier Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya, a businessman and legislator, has found himself at the center of a crisis insiders say was long in the making.
Despite assembling a star-studded squad featuring reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona and Warriors forward Khama Billiat, Scottland’s performances have been underwhelming. But it is the turmoil off the pitch that has sparked wider concern.
Following a 1-0 loss to Ngezi Platinum Stars on March 14, Sakupwanya was captured on video angrily questioning how his side could lose with “star players in every position,” appearing to accuse coach Tonderai Ndiraya of poor team selection.
Sources said Ndiraya has faced pressure to field players handpicked by Sakupwanya, undermining technical independence.
“The boss brings in his own players and expects them to feature regardless of form,” a club insider said. “It’s a nightmare for the technical bench.”
Player morale has plummeted, with some reportedly regretting joining the club despite lucrative contracts.
Tensions escalated on April 11 after Sakupwanya’s Northern Region Division One side, N’ombeyawora, won 4-0. Instead of celebrating quietly, Sakupwanya publicly criticized Scottland, saying: “The senior team should come and take notes. I think I gave the wrong team the name Scottland.”
The comments reportedly deepened frustrations among players already struggling with low confidence.
Meanwhile, administrative problems have surfaced. Scottland’s aggressive recruitment drive saw the squad swell to more than 40 players, leading to loan arrangements — some mired in confusion. Tymon Mvula’s move to Yadah stalled for weeks due to missing paperwork.
There are also allegations that some players were asked to sign only one copy of their contracts instead of the four required by PSL rules. Insiders claimed the missing documents were forged, inflating salaries presented to Sakupwanya and siphoning funds from the club’s budget.
With monthly wage and bonus obligations reportedly around US$120,000, concerns have emerged that the owner is unknowingly losing money to internal corruption.
Scottland CEO referred media inquiries to media liaison officer Sindiso Dube, who said he would respond after consulting but had not done so by publication time.
Staff turnover has further rocked the club. On Tuesday, digital strategist Thulani “Javas” Sibanda left Scottland to become CEO of Bulawayo Chiefs. His departure reportedly blindsided some club executives, and speculation is mounting that more senior staff could follow.
Despite its talent-rich roster, Scottland remains five points adrift of bitter rivals MWOS heading into Matchday 8, with 12 points from seven matches. After a recent 1-1 draw with F.C Platinum, coach Ndiraya lamented lapses in concentration, hinting at the deeper unrest within the squad.
Scottland entered the season as title contenders, but now whispers about Ndiraya’s job security are growing louder.
For a club that promised to shake up the PSL, its biggest battle may not be on the field but within its own ranks.
Until internal fractures are addressed, neither a bottomless purse nor star names may be enough to prevent Scottland’s bright debut from descending into disaster.
