Scottland’s opening league win over Triangle last week was laboured, tortous, if fortuitous, but the comfortable 2-0 victory over CAPS United at a very poor Rufaro stadium on Sunday, was pregnant with signals, The Page can report.
Substitute Sadney Urikhob and Tymon Machope scored the crucial goals against a very capable goalkeeper, Harmony Nare, who joined the Green Machine from southern Region 2024 champions, ZPC Hwange.
The goals, which Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe attribute to mistakes, makes for very interesting optics in this match.
What the Chitembwe analysis couldn’t mask was that Scottland FC looked well coached, structured, attacked in phases and defended in zones marked with posts.
The tactics stretched the pitch, allowing Caps United to attack and move with and without the ball to areas that will not harm Scottland.
Therein laid the golden maggot, which left CAPS United appearing like they dominated the game, which they did spasmodically, albeit, far from Talbert Shumba’s goal.
It looked to the technical eye that, Tonderai Ndiraya did his number on Chitembwe, by deploying personnel according their retinue.
To his credit Chitembwe knew he didn’t need to employ men marking duties on Walter Musona and Khama Billiat, who in my considered view isn’t too fit to affect a game, let alone unravel his numerous tricks.
Khama is still cagged and gagged by injuries, and for all his experience, shouldn’t be risked on any team, the Warriors included, until a time he is physically free.
He is an exceptional talent, and that he could even post an assist in such a cagey match, speaks of his high quality, which we must admit, is diminishing every minute, due to age.
That too, was a signal that if Scottland, who have done their homework, piled pieces into the workshop and fortified the stable, are determined to compete in the top flight, banishing all their Division One shenanigans, like this, then our football is in good space.
It was beautiful to notice good football, albeit in moments from both teams, but can not miss that Scottland, were clearly the better team.
And the manner of their win, clearly comfortable, testified to their preparations which were measured and choreographed.
That Scottland looked tired in their opening match, thanks to the madness of the executive that forced an unplanned photoshoot and kit unveiling on the eve of the match, was apparent on Sunday, as the boys looked fresh, sharp, methodical and precise in their execution.
If this Scottland side is not stopped in these early matches of the season before most teams jelled, they could be surprises for this season.
CAPS United parading some exciting prospects like Junior Bunjira, Jayden Bakare, Kundai Benyu and outstanding Nare, lost because they used more energy than was required to control the game, risking mistakes.
Scottland looked better conditioned and understood their role plays brilliantly.
Ndiraya and his team are doing something right and that is a good signal.
Scottland, which has tried to improve in every aspect of their team, still need to improve their executive, who still seem to not understand their roles and that of the secretariat, headed by CEO, as you could easily see that the secretary general strayed into the CEO zone, compromising the end product quality.
Scott Sakupwanya must deal with that without delay, as the team under Ndiraya so far, are full value for their top of the table position.
Admittedly, it is early days yet, seeing an improvement every week from the side, is a signal that Scottland may be difficult to stop, if teams face them with doubts and lack of confidence, like CAPS United displayed on Sunday.
While Rufaro stadium has been a bad advert for our game with its horrendous state, Scottland and CAPS United conspired to serve a match that sizeable crowd, enjoyed in moments.
The Zifa is expected to deal with the issue of stadia and Exco member, responsible for infrastructure, Brighton Ushendibaba, is on the ground to find a lasting solution to this embarrassment.
At least nobody talked about referees in a match featuring Scottland for the first time, in part because they weren’t bad or good, they simply tried to do their work.
And that both teams wanted to play the game well, more so when some of the very best coaches around collided, football is often times the winner.
Even for Warriors gaffer Michael Nees who came ostensibly to check on Warriors on both sides, may have left with much more, as both coaches displayed technical nous, he requires with the national team.
For all our wins in Afcon 2025, the Warriors have not broken any cups and plates, which is a signal that the team still require much more to shout.
As a nation used to a diet of only questioning coaches when results stop, The Page is of the view that we mend the roof during a storm and we need to remind Nees that he can do better by spreading his net beyond his preferred scope.
And the Rufaro match on Sunday emptied some choices for him to make national decisions on players.
He certainly saw options for other players he had in his mind. Or others he must consider dropping and look elsewhere for options.
But until then, this Scottland side is showing football signs too good to ignore – something good is happening in that kitchen.
Who is the chef?
Well, a canoe doesn’t know who the leader is, so when it over turns, everybody gets wet.. Kkkkkk
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