Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

CASTLE Lager Premiership champions Scottland have embarked on a sweeping restructuring exercise that has seen the club part ways with chief executive Ronald Moyo and several players, just days before the start of their pre-season training.

The Mabvuku-based outfit, who stunned the local football fraternity by winning the league title in their debut season, confirmed yesterday that midfielder Fredrick Ansa-Botchway from Ghana and striker Lynoth Chikuhwa, who spent the second half of the 2025 campaign on loan at Chicken Inn, are among the first casualties of the shake-up.

Scottland, now under the guidance of former Zimbabwe international Norman Mapeza, are expected to announce more departures in the coming days as they seek to consolidate their position at the summit of domestic football and prepare for their maiden CAF Champions League campaign set to kick-off later in the year.

Sources close to the club indicate that several big names could be shown the exit door or sent out on loan.

These include seasoned midfielder Tichaona Chipunza, forward Michael Tapera, midfielder Vassili Kawe, expat striker Kuda Myaba, Marvelous Chigumira, Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, on-loan goalkeeper Tymon Mvula, and Kelvin Shangiwa.

Defender Elvis Moyo has already returned to his former club, Bulawayo Chiefs, where he was unveiled over the weekend.

On the recruitment front, Scottland have moved swiftly to bolster their squad. The Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya-owned side has reportedly secured the services of midfielder Abubakar Moffat from fierce rivals MWOS, along with three players from Dynamos that include goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa, midfielder Vusa Ngwenya, and Ghanaian centre-back Issaka Mohammed.

All things equal, the side is scheduled to commence pre-season training tomorrow. The club is also expected to parade its new signings when it unveils the full squad in the coming weeks.

The shake-up has not been limited to the playing staff.

Scottland are also expected to announce a new chief executive following their separation with Ronald Moyo, who only served one year.

Moyo joined in January 2025 as the team prepared for its historic debut in the Premier Soccer League.

Under his stewardship, Scottland achieved what many thought impossible after winning the championship in their first season, a feat last accomplished by Black Rhinos in 1984.

While no official reason was given for the separation, the Mabvuku side yesterday said in a statement: “Scottland FC would like to inform its stakeholders that the club and chief executive officer, Ronald Moyo, have amicably parted ways.

“The club extends its sincere gratitude to Ronald Moyo for his commitment, leadership, and the time he dedicated to Scottland FC.

“His efforts and contribution to the club are truly appreciated. Scottland FC wishes him nothing but success and fulfilment in his future endeavours.”

Moyo, who previously worked with Highlanders, expressed pride in his achievements and gratitude to the Premiership newboys.

“It is with deep gratitude and a heart full of fond memories that I bid farewell as the chief executive of Scottland FC,” said Moyo.

He thanked club president Pedzai Sakupwanya, the management and the technical team led by former coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who guided Scottland to their historic triumph before leaving for Chicken Inn.

“The relationships forged and the milestones achieved here are indelibly etched in my heart. I wish Scottland FC nothing but the very best in defending your hard-earned title and in your maiden appearance on the continental stage at the CAF Champions League. Go make history,” Moyo added.

Scottland will this year compete on two fronts as they also represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Champions League.

With Mapeza now at the helm and a revamped squad taking shape, they face a defining season in which they look to balance domestic dominance with the demands of continental football.