England-based Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba has praised Scottland Football Club owner Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya for his financial contributions to local football, which have transformed the lives of many players.
In the recently concluded Northern Regional Soccer League (NRSL) season, Sakupwanya, a gold dealer with close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, rewarded his players with generous winning bonuses, paying as much as US$1,500 per match. He also promised each player US$10,000 if they achieved promotion to the top flight.
Sakupwanya’s associate, Wicknell Chivayo, further rewarded the players by giving each of them a Toyota Aqua vehicle for winning the NRSL title.
However, Scottland FC is still awaiting confirmation of its promotion to the Premier League next season, pending the outcome of an appeal by Karoi United to ZIFA.
Nakamba, who plays for Luton Town in England’s Championship, believes the substantial financial support provided by Sakupwanya will significantly uplift local footballers, offering them better opportunities and a brighter future. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200035345/nakamba-sings-scotts-praise">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
I wish to pay tribute to Scottland FC, particularly the club owner Honourable Scott Sakupwanya. He is changing the lives of footballers. I have known Scott for a long time now.
He is very passionate about football and passionate about helping the youths. I know him personally and he is someone who always brings out a helping hand.
From the engagements I have had with him and looking at what he has already done so far, it’s clear that Scottland will change the face of football if they have not done so already.
It’s the first club from Division One in the history of our country to reward its players with huge life-changing bonuses, including cars. That is hugely commendable and we must thank Honourable Scott for that.
People should know that football is a very short career and players need to be well-paid, so we need to appreciate what people like Scott are doing.
He should get all the support that he needs because he is doing a great job in helping the youths.
I understand that he is going to let some players go, but they will be allowed to keep the cars.
</blockquote>
In anticipation of their participation in the top-flight league next season, Scottland FC has reportedly strengthened their squad by signing Highlanders duo Peter Muduhwa and Lynoth Chikuhwa, along with the Moyo twins, Elvis and Kelvin, from Dynamos.
Nakamba believes Scottland’s significant financial investment will inspire other clubs to elevate their standards, offering improved remuneration and bonuses to players to remain competitive. He said:
<blockquote>
Some of the players had given up hope in their lives, but now, they have somewhere to start from. They can afford to live a life that they couldn’t have imagined and it’s just pleasing to see how Scottland is changing lives and influencing other teams to raise the standards and offer better remuneration and bonuses to players.
I believe the best players in the country will be looking to sign for Scottland and come next season, the competition is going to be strong in the premier league.
</blockquote>
Scott, together with Chivayo, have pledged to pay US$250 000 to the team as a reward for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals qualification.
Already, his Betterbrands Gold company is one of ZIFA’s principal sponsors, and also one of the major sponsors for Highlanders. Said Nakamba:
<blockquote>
As the national team captain, I want to thank him for the sponsorship he has been giving to the national team. We have been successful partly because we have been supported well by Scott and others.
We hope other individuals and corporates can do what Scott is doing to help the team as we prepare for the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers next year and the AFCON finals.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Marvelous Nakamba, a soccer player, praises Scottland FC owner Scott Sakupwanya for helping local players with money. Scott rewarded his team with big bonuses and cars. Nakamba thinks this will make football better in Zimbabwe. Scottland FC might move to the top league. Nakamba says other clubs should also pay players well. Scott and Chivayo will give $250,000 to the team if they qualify for the AFCON. Nakamba thanks Scott for sponsoring the national team. This support helps the team do well in competitions. Nakamba hopes others will support the team too.

Nakamba Applauds Scott For Financially Empowering Local Footballers

Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambga says the injury to Warriors’ Belgium-based midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is a huge blow ahead of their crucial 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier tie against Congo but he expects those players who have been picked up to cover for his absence.
Nakamba was injured during training at his Belgian side Club Brugge last week and will be on the sidelines for, at least, five weeks ruling him out for the Warriors’ match. Said Chodzambga:
<blockquote>It’s a big blow to us there is no doubt about that. Nakamba is one of our key players and we have wanted to have him available for the match. But these things happen in football that’s why we picked players who can cover all areas.
So we are not panicking at all. We have enough cover. We expect those available to step up and be counted. Our prayer though at this point is to see our players stay injury-free.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe plays Congo Brazzaville on March 24 in the final qualifier for the 2019 AFCON finals to hosted by Egypt from June 15 to July 13, 2019.
All the four teams in Group G — Zimbabwe, Liberia, DRC and Congo — still have a chance of qualifying for the tournament.
Zimbabwe top Group G with eight points ahead of Liberia, who have seven points, while DRC and Congo-Brazzaville are sitting at six and five points.
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