No room to slip: Shidolo on Scottland midfield battle with Msebe, Moffat

Scottland FC’s versatile midfielder Moses Shidolo has opened up about the stiff competition at the club and how he has swiftly adapted to every role handed to him by coach Norman Mapeza.

The Namibian has proved to be a huge asset for the Mabvuku outfit, especially for Mapeza, who has long thrived on using roving wing-backs.

Shidolo started the season at right-back ahead of Godknows Murwira, while new signing Abubakar Moffat, recently arrived from MWOS FC, partnered Mthokozisi Msebe in central midfield.

His chance to return to his favoured midfield role came when Moffat was away on Warriors duty for the Unity Cup in the United Kingdom in May.

Moffat has struggled to reclaim his spot since, with Shidolo punching above his weight alongside Msebe. The Namibian was on target on Saturday as Scottland beat Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-1 at Baobab Stadium.

Match winner Moses Shidolo poses with the Luckbets Man of the Match award after his goal helped Scottland FC beat Ngezi Platinum Stars. Picture by Scottland FC/Facebook

COMPETITION IS STIFF SAYS MOSES SHIDOLO

Reflecting on his time at Mabvuku, Shidolo said the intense competition for places has pushed him to elevate his game.

“The challenge in our team is real. If you slip up, the next guy comes in and plays, because we’ve got quality all over. We push each other hard and we respect each other so much,” he said.

“At this level, it’s about any given day — when you get your chance, you have to grab it with both hands. I’ve had to shift from right back to my natural position, and I back myself. I know what I’m capable of, and with the help of my teammates and God, everything is possible.”

Shidolo is arguably the top-performing Namibian in Zimbabwe. The likes of Sadney Urikhob, Isaskar Gurirab, McCartney Naweseb, Sisqo Haraseb and Mbakondja Tjahikika are also plying their trade in the PSL.

He added: “Ever since I arrived here, I’ve received so much love and affection from the people, my teammates, and everyone at the club. Scottland is a family — it’s a wonderful club.

“I don’t know how long I’ll be here. Only God knows. I have big plans for my future and I want to go elsewhere someday, but you never know where God will take you. For now, I’m focused on giving my best here.”

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