Norman Mapeza: ‘Its still game on…’

Scottland FC coach Norman Mapeza says it is too early for his side to throw in the towel after dropping to second position following a shock 1-0 defeat to ZPC Kariba, a result that saw them surrender top spot in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League to Hardrock FC.

Sunk by a Brian Kusinyera volley in the second half, Scottland found themselves leaving the small tourist town of Kariba with their tails between their legs, now two points behind Hardrock who lead the PSL on 63 points.

But with four games remaining, Mapeza is unfazed and believes his team can turn the corner and stage a memorable comeback to retain the PSL title.

NORMAN MAPEZA REMAINS DEFIANT

Norman Mapeza at Kaizer Chiefs village in South Africa. Picture by Scottland FC/Facebook

The former Chippa United said: “Well done to Kariba, they wanted it more than us. But we move on, we still have four games to go, it is still game on. We have to forget about this game and work towards our next game,” Mapeza said.

They now face Chicken Inn FC at home, followed by an away date with Caps United FC. That will be followed by a tricky encounter against Herentals College FC and wrap up the season at Gibbo Stadium against Triangle United.

After Matchday 30 last season, Scottland were on 59 points, five ahead of then-defending champions Simba Bhora, who had a game in hand, and five ahead of third-placed MWOS.

Fast forward to October 2026, and they are two points better off than they were after 30 rounds last season, but they sit second, two points behind Kelvin Kaindu’s Hardrock.

For ZPC Kariba, it was job done as they moved seven points clear of Agama, who occupy the last relegation spot.The result saw Scottland slip into second place as Hardrock dismissed Bulawayo Chiefs 2-0 at Chahwanda Stadium to move to 63 points, two ahead of the defending champions.

Hardrock, in their maiden season under Kaindu, are on a roll with four games to go. They are aiming to win the championship in their maiden season after promotion from Division One, just as Scottland did last season.

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