Veteran coach Norman Mapeza has pinpointed a crucial factor that’s driving the star-studded Scottland FC’s success this season.
Scottland FC beat TelOne FC 3-2 on Thursday at Ascot Stadium, in a match they twice threw away the lead. But a show of character and resilience in the last ten minutes helped them snatch a late win courtesy of Walter Musona’s strike.
Terrence Dzvukamanja and Emmanuel Ziocha scored the other two goals for Mabvira-vira. Jerry Chipangura and Blessing Metebeck scored TelOne’s goals.
The defending PSL champions are second on the table with 11 points — tied with Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars on the same number of points. CAPS United lead with 12 points after five games.
After edging TelOne FC, Mapeza highlighted the team’s resilience and character as the key factors in their performance, despite conceding twice after taking the lead.
‘THE CHARACTER, NOT TO GIVE UP’ EXCITES MAPEZA
Norman Mapeza during a match against Hardrock FC. Picture by Scottland FC/Facebook
The former Warriors gaffer praised the players’ ability to keep pushing and believing, calling it a ‘massive psychological pathway’.
“Difficult game for us, difficult game for us. After taking the lead, we conceded in the first few minutes of the second half. I think there was some lapse in concentration,” Mapeza said.
“Then again we took the lead, then again we gave away a unnecessary set-piece. But well done to the boys. It was about that psychological pathway, which is resilience.
“It was brilliant, we kept pushing, we kept believing. And I’m happy for the boys. It’s now done with this game.
“We’re now thinking much about the Highlanders game on Monday. That was a massive psychological pathway. Resilience, the character, not to give up. It’s very massive for us.”
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