Scottland FC in sluggish start

SCOTTLAND FC coach Norman Mapeza says he is encouraged by his team's performances despite the defending champions still searching for their first win of the season after a 1-1 draw with Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro Stadium on Friday.

Scottland have now drawn their opening two matches of the new league campaign. They began the season with a goalless stalemate against newcomers Hardrock FC at Chahwanda Stadium last week.

Mapeza, who took over as Scottland's head coach ahead of the current season, arrived at the club with high expectations following a successful 10-year spell at FC Platinum. During his tenure there, the former Zimbabwe national football team coach guided the club to three league titles and several domestic cup triumphs.

Despite the slow start to life at his new club, Mapeza said he was satisfied with the progress his players are making.

"So far, so good. I can't complain about the performance; the guys have been working," Mapeza said after the draw.

"We will get better, but like I said, I'm not picking any party for anything. It's a team effort. We drew today, but we move on to the next game.

"I am happy with the progress I am noticing step by step."

Questions have already begun to emerge over Scottland's inability to secure maximum points early in the campaign. However, Mapeza is known for slow starts before building momentum as the season progresses.

In 2008, while coaching Monomotapa United, he lost his opening four matches of the season before turning the campaign around and eventually guiding the club to the league title.

Scottland supporters will be hoping the experienced coach can once again repeat that script as the season unfolds.