Sports / Soccer
Scottland in match-fixing storm?
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Scottland FC has dismissed social media speculation that a recent financial donation to rivals Simba Bhora FC was intended to influence the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title race.
The two clubs are locked in a tight battle for the championship, with defending champions Simba Bhora currently holding a slender two-point lead over second-placed Scottland, just six matches from the season's conclusion.
The controversy arose after Scottland owner Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya donated US$100 000 to Simba Bhora to support their maiden CAF Champions League campaign, which kicks off this Sunday against Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini.
Social media commentators quickly suggested the donation was a covert attempt to sway the league standings. However, Scottland chairman Tonderai "Pound" Sakupwanya moved swiftly to reject these claims.
In a statement, Pound said: "It is ironic that if we wanted to influence the PSL title race, we would have done so during Saturday's top-of-the-table clash against Simba Bhora. The US$100 000 is part of an existing sponsorship deal with Betterbrands, Scott's company, which is Simba Bhora's main shirt sponsor in a two-year, half-a-million-dollar agreement. Part of this arrangement includes ensuring the team is properly resourced for their African campaign."
He further clarified that the donation was intended solely to support Simba Bhora's CAF Champions League participation and was unrelated to the ongoing PSL competition. "We stand for fair play and will fight for the league title on the field of play," Pound added. "At the same time, we wish Simba Bhora all the best in their CAF campaign as they represent Zimbabwe."
Scottland, which boasts significant financial backing, has invested heavily in its squad, including high-profile signings such as Warriors stars Khama Billiat and the Musona brothers, Knowledge and Walter. The club is aiming to secure its first PSL title in its maiden season in the top flight.
The two clubs are locked in a tight battle for the championship, with defending champions Simba Bhora currently holding a slender two-point lead over second-placed Scottland, just six matches from the season's conclusion.
The controversy arose after Scottland owner Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya donated US$100 000 to Simba Bhora to support their maiden CAF Champions League campaign, which kicks off this Sunday against Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini.
In a statement, Pound said: "It is ironic that if we wanted to influence the PSL title race, we would have done so during Saturday's top-of-the-table clash against Simba Bhora. The US$100 000 is part of an existing sponsorship deal with Betterbrands, Scott's company, which is Simba Bhora's main shirt sponsor in a two-year, half-a-million-dollar agreement. Part of this arrangement includes ensuring the team is properly resourced for their African campaign."
He further clarified that the donation was intended solely to support Simba Bhora's CAF Champions League participation and was unrelated to the ongoing PSL competition. "We stand for fair play and will fight for the league title on the field of play," Pound added. "At the same time, we wish Simba Bhora all the best in their CAF campaign as they represent Zimbabwe."
Scottland, which boasts significant financial backing, has invested heavily in its squad, including high-profile signings such as Warriors stars Khama Billiat and the Musona brothers, Knowledge and Walter. The club is aiming to secure its first PSL title in its maiden season in the top flight.
Source - newsday
