Simba Jemwa | Chief Football Writer
Pedzisai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya is a man driven by belief—belief in his team, belief in his community, and belief that Mabvuku can stand tall in the unforgiving world of Zimbabwean top-flight football.
And Bulawayo likes to call him SaMotsepe!
This Sunday’s Castle Premier League clash at home to Highlanders isn’t just another fixture for the Mabvuku-born football patron. It’s a challenge, a spotlight moment, and a potential turning point for a side that has steadily been carving out its own identity in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
“Highlanders are a big name and a big club,” Sakupwanya admits.
“But this is football. No team walks onto that pitch and gets respect without earning it. We’re ready. Scottland is ready. Mabvuku is ready.”
For Sakupwanya, football is deeply rooted in community. The streets of Mabvuku aren’t paved with luxury, but they overflow with passion—for the game, for hustle, for pride. It’s that raw energy that he says fuels his team every week.
“In Mabvuku, we were raised on grit and heart. There’s no giving up, no backing down. That’s what I expect from the boys when they step out there on Sunday.”
The clash with Highlanders, one of the league’s most storied clubs, offers a real barometer of progress. Bosso travel with pedigree, heritage, and serious ambitions of their own. But Sakupwanya is unfazed.
“Look, Highlanders have history and quality. But we’ve got hunger. We’ve got something to prove. Every player knows this is a chance to stand up and be counted.”
The tone is clear—this is no David versus Goliath story. This is about fight. About earning respect. About Mabvuku announcing its presence on the field.
Sakupwanya is quick to highlight the progress his side has made, not just in results, but in mindset. There’s belief now. There’s structure. And there’s no fear.
“We’ve come a long way. The boys are playing with purpose. This match is about showing that we belong at this level and can go toe-to-toe with the best.”
Sunday’s match isn’t about flash or hype either. It’s about grit. It’s about a Mabvuku outfit ready to meet Highlanders head-on with every ounce of fight they have.
“Let them come,” Sakupwanya says calmly.
“On that pitch, it’s eleven against eleven. And my boys? They’ll be ready.”
The first time these two ‘brothers’ met, it ended 1-all at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo. For Scottland, mercurial Mthokozisi Msebe was ‘the man’ grabbing the equaliser the Mabvuku-based side fought back to salvage a point. Msebe has turned himself into a matchwinner and a lot will be expected of him come Sunday when the Moneybags welcome Umantengwane to Rufaro Stadium.
