Scottland FC, the recently promoted Premier Soccer League side from Mabvuku, finds itself in disarray as internal disputes threaten to derail what began as a promising debut season.
Sources close to the club have revealed deepening rifts between owner Pedzai Sakupwanya and the coaching staff, largely stemming from allegations of interference in team affairs. Tensions reportedly boiled over following the team’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Ngezi Platinum, when Sakupwanya allegedly confronted head coach Tonderai Ndiraya about tactical decisions and player selection.
“There’s growing frustration among the technical team,” a club insider shared. “The owner is insisting certain players be included in the lineup, even when they aren’t fit or performing well. It’s undermining the coach’s authority.”
Further complicating the club’s situation are reported issues with player contracts. Several team members are said to have either incomplete agreements or inconsistencies between the contracts they signed and those filed with league authorities. In addition, ongoing confusion around loan deals has left some players unsure of their official status with the club.
Despite securing major signings like Khama Billiat and Walter Musona, Scottland FC’s atmosphere has turned sour. Morale reportedly dipped even further after Sakupwanya publicly praised his second-tier side, N’ombeyawora FC, while criticising the top-flight team—a move viewed by many players as a public rebuke.
“There’s a growing sense of regret among some players,” said another source. “The money might be good, but the environment is becoming unbearable.”
Concerns have also emerged about the club’s financial practices, with insiders questioning how long its monthly wage bill—rumoured to exceed $120,000—can be sustained under the current conditions.
The crisis appears to be spreading beyond the pitch. The departure of digital media manager Thulani Sibanda to Bulawayo Chiefs is seen as an early sign of broader staff dissatisfaction. Sources say backroom staff are also under immense pressure as uncertainty looms over the club’s direction.
With 12 points from their first seven games, Scottland trails league leaders MWOS by five points. Coach Ndiraya continues to urge for “stability and unity,” but questions remain about whether the club can stay focused amidst the internal drama.
If unresolved, the chaos could undo the progress the club has made—and threaten the fairy-tale that brought Scottland FC into the top flight in the first place.
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