Scottland FC coach Norman Mapeza is bracing for a high-stakes encounter against Highlanders, warning that their opponents’ winless run could make them even more dangerous when the two sides meet at Barbourfields on Easter Monday.
Highlanders have drawn their opening five matches of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, a run that Mapeza believes will fuel their urgency to finally secure maximum points.
“We are playing one of the biggest clubs in the country. Games of football are more of the same. We are playing a team which has drawn, I think, five matches. So, definitely, they will come here looking for maximum points,” Mapeza said, acknowledging the added pressure on Bosso.
Mapeza stressed the need for caution and control in key moments to secure maximum points.
“We need to be very cautious. Let’s control those important aspects of the game. So, at the end of the day, we’ll be talking about maximum points.”
The fixture comes amid a demanding schedule, with clubs navigating a congested run of games, a reality Mapeza insists offers no room for excuses.
“The games are coming fast, but look, these are the fixtures,” he said. “It’s not only about us. I think all the clubs, they’re also involved in these tight fixtures. So, there’s no time to mourn, there’s no time to complain.”
Instead, the focus has shifted to squad management, with player fitness emerging as a key concern.
“We just need to manage the loads. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the guys to play maybe two matches within a space of five days,” he added.
Scottland head into the clash buoyed by momentum after edging TelOne FC 3-2 in a dramatic encounter at Ascot Stadium.
Walter Musona struck late to seal the win, capping a back-and-forth contest in which Scottland showed resilience and composure in decisive moments.
Mapeza also reserved praise for the club’s supporters, praising their role in driving the team forward.
“our fans, they’ve been fantastic. They’ve been massive to us. And we always play our games to make them happy.,” he said.
“In football, you never know what might happen. But wherever they are, they should know that when the guys go out there, we always try to make them happy.”
Scottland FC’s unbeaten start reflects a strong but not yet dominant title defence, with solid attacking and defensive numbers keeping them near the top. However, dropped points from draws and a lack of clinical edge in key moments suggest they must convert control into wins to fully assert themselves as the league’s leading force.
