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Scott makes title admission

Sport
SCOTTLAND

SCOTTLAND have set sights on winning the Premier Soccer League title in two seasons’ time after a huge cash injection into the club by Sakunda Holdings.

Sakunda will fuel Scottland’s push for a league title after the company pledged a US$1,5 million shot in the arm as the club prepares for its maiden season in the topflight.

Above the cash injection, which will help the club compete well in the transfer market, Sakunda will also buy playing kits for the club as well as vehicles to be used by the captain and coach.

Sakunda boss Kuda Tagwirei also promised to aid Scottland’s stadium project in Mabvuku by providing bucket seats.

Scottland president Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya hailed the deal saying it would boost their chances of achieving their targets of conquering on the domestic front as well as in Africa.

He was, however, quick to point out that the topflight excursion will not be an easy one.

“This means a great deal because, as you know, Scottland are not just embarking on success only in the field of play, but we also want success off the field,” Sakupwanya said.

“And when I say that we are looking at the stadium in Mabvuku, we are looking at programmes that help the youths.

“So we would like to thank Dr Tagwirei for his generosity.

“When we get sponsorship like this, everything becomes easy, the acquisition of players becomes easy.

“The calibre of the players and the quality of the coaches that you get will be top, top level.”

Added Sakupwanya: “But next year’s league title comes too soon for us. We have to go in and learn in our first year because we already have big and established clubs in there.

“We have big boys like Highlanders, Dynamos, Caps United, Ngezi Platinum and Simba Bhora, who know how to win the title. So we know it will be tough.

“We have to learn, but what I can promise is that we will make the top four. Then in the second season, we will be ready to take the title.”

Scottland have already been active in the transfer market, where they have raided Highlanders, Caps United and Simba Bhora.

They are on the prowl for top talent as they seek an instant impact in the Premier Soccer League.

The club has been the highest paying in the country, with players getting winning bonuses amounting to US$1 500 per match.

Some players are believed to have received signing-on fees above US$30 000 in this transfer window.

Tagwirei urged Scottland to adopt a business model and make sure they make something out of football.

“We are committed to helping Scottland achieve success as they start their journey in the Premier Soccer League,” he said.

“I urge Scottland to value their fans and their players so that they move in the right direction

“Eventually, you should create a model where you run the club as a business.

“For that to happen, you should value your publics, and everything will fall into place.”

Added Tagwirei: “We are obviously happy to be associated with Scottland and we are determined to see them succeed in their endeavours.

“We are committed to seeing you doing well, and we are there to hold your hand. We hope to see you becoming champions sooner rather than later.”

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