Bitter’ Sakupwanya could walk away from football next year —Gama

Veteran journalist and Harare City Council spokesperson Stanley Gama has sensationally claimed that Scottland FC owner Pedzai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya could walk away from football next year, claiming the ambitious businessman has become bitter over developments in the domestic game.

Sakupwanya, who has emerged as one of the most influential financial backers in Zimbabwean football, could be approaching a crossroads in his involvement in the country’s most popular sport, according to Gama.

Posting on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), Gama suggested that Sakupwanya is not happy with what the Mabvuku legislator supposedly called victimization of his club.

“I had long chat with Scottland FC owner Hon Scott Sakupwanya this evening. The man is passionate about football, his coming into football reignited the interest. He made huge investments in football. Football is back. But he is bitter and may walk away from football next year,” wrote Gama.

“Scott feels that his team has been unfairly targeted by both administrators, match officials and even some people who pretend to be helping him. He says he may decide to concentrate on business.

“During the match he expressed anger with poor officiating and conspiracies against his club. He believes that all season, his club has been targeted by match officials and administrators. ‘I’m fed up, let’s lose fairly.’ He says he is saddened by the conspiracy against his club,” added Gama.

Scottland FC ahead of a match at Rufaro stadium. Picture by Fanzone

If Gama’s comments are anything to go by, what might have triggered Sakupwanya’s reaction is Scottland’s disallowed goal against Chicken Inn, in Wednesday’s rescheduled game at Rufaro.

With Mabviravira needing to win without fail to keep the pressure on log leaders Hardrock, they played out a goalless stalemate with their former coach Tonderai Ndiraya’s Chicken Inn.

Kevin Moyo thought he had thrust Scottland ahead when he headed home Knowledge Musona’s teasing free kick, but the Zambian assistant referee appointed for the clash, disallowed the goal for offside.

On his way out of Rufaro Stadium minutes before the end of the game, Sakupwanya waved at journalists in the media tribune and said “Tough luck, next year” —remarks interpreted by many as giving up on the title.

RELATED STORY: Scottland’s title hopes dented after goalless draw with Chicken Inn