By Emmanuel Marambe
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
THE Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) has imposed a US$5 000 fine on Scottland FC for pitch invasion by its top brass during a tension-filled match against MWOS FC last month.
This is a rare dose of bad news for the ambitious Mabvuku-based side, which has been credited with adding glamour and colour to the NRSL, since its entrance into the tough Division One league at the beginning of the season.
The NRSL found Scottland guilty of failing to restrain its patron Scott Sakupwanya and some irate executive members from storming the pitch during its high profile match against MWOS in Norton on August 17.
They ran onto the pitch and confronted MWOS technical team after it had equalised in the drawn match, which was marred by repeated “juju antics” by the home side’s officials.
While not condoning these antics, the NRSL said the actions of Sakupwanya and his colleagues were not consistent with the laws of the league warranted a reprimand.
“On August 17, 2024, right after the final whistle, your executive committee members invaded the field of play and confronted the coaching staff of MWOS FC in full view of all stakeholders present.
“Such conduct is inappropriate and does not align with the standards as set in our guidelines. “The said conduct is harmful to the image of the entire league as you are always expected to maintain a professional demeanour and help promote the image of the league.
“It is in view of the above that the Board has fined your Club an amount of US$5,000.00 which must be paid in full by not later than 7 days from the date of receipt of this letter,” NRSL chairman, Martin Kweza, wrote to Scottland.
To their credit, Sakupwanya and his executive apologised for their actions which they said had been caused by running emotions triggered by the “provocative” actions of the home side. Prior to this incident, Sakupwanya and his executive had been praised for their sportsmanship at all the games Scottland played – both at home and away venues.
On June 1, Sakupwanya was praised for identifying and personally ejecting from Ellis Robin’s ground, a man who had thrown missiles at officials during Scottland’s away match to Golden Eagles.
Meanwhile, Sakupwanya has been hailed by the football fraternity across divisions for his investments in both the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and NSRL.
The Mabvuku MP was instrumental in luring Khama Billiat back to the PSL after more than a decade plying his trade in South Africa. Sakupwanya is also part sponsor of Yadah FC – Billiat’s current club in the PSL.
Sakupwanya is also part sponsor of Highlanders and all its developmental sides – including its women’s team Highlanders Royals.
Last week, he unveiled US$80 000 sponsorship for the Zimbabwe senior men’s soccer team – The Warriors.
Scottland have been one of the revelations of the current NRSL season and are firmly in the title race after 25 rounds of action.
The Genesis Mangombe coached side are in third with 50 points, just four behind log leaders MWOS FC, with 13 matches still to play.