History vs Survival: Scottland, DeMbare in high stakes clash - herald

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SCOTTLAND are billing Saturday's showdown with Dynamos as far more than "just another fixture," a contest they believe justifies hiking gate charges for fans eager to witness two clubs pulling in opposite directions.

Mabviravira, as Scottland are affectionately known, will host the resurgent Glamour Boys at Rufaro, with the cheapest ticket now pegged at $5, up from the usual $3.

Scottland, unbeaten in their last seven games, are chasing a fairytale title in their debut season. Standing in their way is a Dynamos side fighting for survival under new coach Kelvin Kaindu, who has already strung together three wins on the bounce.

While DeMbare's battle against relegation is rare in local football, Scottland are chasing history. No team has managed to lift the league crown in their maiden season since Black Rhinos pulled it off in 1984 with a squad that boasted Japhet Mparutsa, Stanley Ndunduma and Stanford "Stix" Mutizwa.

Recent results suggest Scottland are ready to emulate that feat. They thumped FC Platinum 5-2 at Mandava, handing Norman Mapeza's side their heaviest defeat under his tenure, and last week swept aside Herentals 3-1 at Rufaro.

Those wins pushed their tally to 52 points, just one behind log leaders Simba Bhora.

"This match against Dynamos is not merely another fixture on the calendar. The intensity, the quality, and the magnitude of the stakes elevate it far beyond the ordinary," Scottland chief executive officer Ronald Moyo told Zimpapers Sports Hub.

Dynamos, meanwhile, look rejuvenated under Kaindu, who joined from Highlanders last month. Wins over MWOS, Kwekwe United and GreenFuel have lifted them to 25 points, just three away from the safety zone.

The revival has brought fans back to Rufaro after weeks of boycotts. Their 2-0 win over GreenFuel last Sunday drew a strong crowd, and the return of crowd favourite Denver Mukamba has added fresh energy to the club.

Moyo insists the increased gate charges are part of a bigger plan.

"The revenue generated from such a premium occasion is not an end in itself, but a vital means to an end, a catalyst propelling our broader ambitions both on the pitch and beyond it," he said.

Scottland, who edged the reverse fixture 1-0, have also beaten CAPS United by the same scoreline at Rufaro.

Saturday's game, with history and survival on the line, promises to be one of the most compelling battles of the season.