Around this time last year, Scotland and MWOS were battling in the Northern Region Soccer League for the sole ticket to the Premiership.
The two sides were in a nail-biting title race, which Scottland eventually won under controversial circumstances, as a very disputed boardroom decision by the ZIFA appeals committee confirmed their promotion.
A year later, in an ironic twist of fate, the two arch rivals are battling for the Premiership title.
Scottland are on top with 59 points with four games remaining, three clear of second-placed Simba Bhora, while MWOS occupy third position with 55.
Tonderai Ndiraya’s troops are favorites to win what would be a historic title in their maiden appearance in the country’s top-flight, but they will be very much aware of MWOS’ capabilities to prevent that from happening.
Lloyd Mutasa’s charges endured a very difficult second half of the season, but four consecutive wins have seen them crawl back into the title matrix.
The Punters are also one of the five teams to have beaten Scottland this season, having edged them 1-0 in the reverse fixture at Ngoni Stadium on May 31.
If Mabviravira beat MWOS in today’s eagerly anticipated clash, the Mabvuku-based side winning the title will be a question of when, not a matter of if.
But should Mutasa’s charges emerge victorious, they would cut Scottland’s lead at the top to one point with three matches remaining, setting up what would be a very interesting final stage of the season.
Both sides have had a somewhat cautious approach to the potential title decider.
Scottland, through their several benefactors, publicly promised players close to US$160 000 in bonuses before the reverse fixture back in May, something they have not done this time around.
With a star-studded attack comprising of Knowledge Musona, Walter Musona and Khama Billiat, Scottland will fancy their chances of collecting maximum points.
MWOS themselves will be hoping that Golden Boot-chasing Billy Veremu, who scored the decisive goal in the reverse fixture, will be in good form.
Midfield workhorse Abubakar Moffat, arguably one of the best players in the Premiership currently, might also have a lot to say as far as what happens in the middle of the park is concerned.
Kick off is 15:00.
