Senong draws line in the sand: FC Platinum won’t be bullied by Scottland again

Thabo Senong is refusing to dwell on FC Platinum’s humbling Chibuku Super Cup defeat to Scottland FC at Rufaro Stadium last month, insisting his resurgent side have turned a corner and are primed to stun the defending champions.

Scottland ran riot to beat FC Platinum 3-1 in that cup tie on August 14, 2026 at Rufaro. The two giants meet again on Wednesday, this time in a mouthwatering Castle Lager PSL showdown that was brought forward to allow Scottland to prepare for their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie against Nsingizini Hotspurs at the National Sports Stadium.

The last time they clashed at Rufaro in the league, legendary Norman Mapeza was still in charge of FC Platinum and the match ended in a tense 1-1 stalemate. Mapeza is now at Scottland.

However, Senong, who has orchestrated a flawless start with two commanding wins since taking over, is determined not to let his perfect record crumble. FC Platinum produced a gritty 1-0 league win over Agama FC and delivered a 2-0 statement performance to dispatch Blackrock FC in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 16 on Saturday.

Scottland FC ahead of a match at Rufaro stadium

‘WE ALL KNOW SCOTTLAND’S QUALITIES’ SAYS THABO SENONG

Since Senong took charge, FC Platinum have been an impenetrable fortress, yet to concede and are playing with renewed confidence, steel and tenacity. Speaking ahead of this titanic clash, Senong said:

“Look, this won’t be an easy game. We all know Scottland’s quality. They’re a superior side. So we have to go back, review the brilliant things we did in the last two games, and try to repeat them. At the same time, we need to identify our weaknesses.

“Remember, the last time we played Scottland we lost 3-1. We have to ask ourselves: what are we doing wrong? Where can we improve? We also need to think about freshness.

“Can we come up with better recovery strategies? We only have a few days, and we need fresh legs. It’s not going to be easy. But I believe in the boys. I believe in their response. And we’re hoping for a spectacular game in Harare.”

As it stands, rampant league leaders Scottland sit at the summit of the PSL table with 57 points from 27 matches, while the four-time champions FC Platinum are chasing with 35 points and a point to prove.

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