Story by Mthokozisi Dube
BULAWAYO giants Highlanders FC and Premier Soccer League champions Scottland FC have concluded their final preparations ahead of the Independence Cup showdown set for Maphisa on Saturday.
Both teams held their last training sessions in Bulawayo this Friday, with anticipation building for the high-profile fixture that forms part of the country’s Independence celebrations.
The Maphisa community is also expected to witness Knowledge Musona, popularly known as “The Smiling Assassin”, in Scottland colours, following a long career abroad.
For many Warriors supporters, this will be a rare opportunity to watch the former national team captain live, having previously followed his performances through the media.
The former Warriors skipper is part of the Scottland squad set to face Highlanders in the Independence Cup final.
Scottland, also known as Mabviravira, held their final training session at Petra College, with morale high in the camp of the expensively assembled side.
Stand-in captain Peter Muduhwa, who has featured in Independence Cup matches since 2015, described the fixture as a national treasure, saying Scottland are targeting victory.
“The Independence Cup is a big trophy that speaks to the country’s journey to independence. As champions, we are not leaving anything to chance as we want to win it. We are not taking Highlanders lightly. They are a big team with a rich history. Winning it will surely help us as we move to defend our crown,” he said.
Scottland’s opponents, Highlanders, conducted their final training session at White City Stadium.
The match follows a recent league encounter between the two sides that ended in a goalless draw at Rufaro Stadium a fortnight ago.
Unlike the league fixture, Saturday’s Independence Cup clash must produce a winner, with penalties set to decide the contest should the match end in a draw.
