Scottland’s route to continental football depends on winning the league, any focus on the Champions League must start with domestic success.
Scottland FC club manager Peter Ndlovu has insisted that the club’s ambitions must be built on domestic success before any continental dreams are entertained.
“Winning the league is very important because that allows us to go to another stage, which is the Champions League,” he said.
He maintained that qualification for the CAF Champions League is not a talking point but a reward earned through league performance, warning that shifting focus too early risks missing the bigger picture.
“If we think of the Champions League and not think about the league, then we are missing the point. We must win the league to go to the Champions League.”
Ecobank availed US$1.5 million to Scottland to power their campaign in the CAF African Champions League this year. US$300,000 to strengthen the squad ahead of the CAF Champions League campaign was received from sponsor Wicknell Chivhayo. The sponsorship is meant to help Scottland build a strong team to make an impact in Africa.
“This year we have a chance, we are in the Champions League. It’s just the preparation now that’s very important,” he added.
The Mabvuku-based side are increasingly becoming a target for opponents chasing points, but the squad remains confident that discipline will keep them competitive.
“We are Scottland and everyone wants a piece of us. Everyone wants to take points from us. But we are disciplined.”
Despite the confidence, Ndlovu struck a note of caution about the season’s timing and trajectory, pointing out that the campaign is still taking shape.
“We are not there yet, but we are not far off. One or two games can change the identity of the log.”
“So we are not too worried, especially as we haven’t even reached the halfway mark of the season. But things have to start changing. When I say start changing, we just have to gather and accumulate more points.”
Club president Scott Sakupwanya has meanwhile downplayed early title talk, steering attention towards structured progress and the financial and competitive value of cup competitions, rather than letting early momentum define the season.
