Scottland FC Officially Crowned 2025 Castle Lager PSL Champions at Ascot Stadium

Scottland FC Officially Crowned 2025 Castle Lager PSL Champions at Ascot Stadium

By Delicious Mathuthu

Gweru, Zimbabwe - Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) debutants, Scottland Football Club (FC) were on Saturday, November 22, officially crowned the 2025 champions at a packed Ascot Stadium after a 2-1 victory over TelOne FC.

The league finale between Scottland and TelOne FC was graced by Zimbabwe First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, who officially handed over the medals and the PSL new trophy.

The Mabvuku-based side, affectionately known as "Mabviravira," sealed their, more or less, fairy-tale season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over TelOne, lifting the gleaming new trophy.

The presentation ceremony saw First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, not only handing Scottland the silverware, but also the US$100,000 league prize.

Gweru has almost become synonymous with Scottland's pivotal moments this season, as they previously beat Kwekwe United 5-1 at the same venue sealing their 2025 title chase with two games to spare, ahead of 2024 champions Simba Bhora, and MWOS FC.

Hundreds of Scottland FC fans, most of whom travelled all the way from Harare, erupted as the First Lady draped the champions' medals and hoisted the trophy alongside Midlands Province Minister of State and Provincial Affairs, Owen Ncube along with some senior PSL and ZIFA officials.

In the day's match, TelOne FC, who saw an improved season finish (moving from 10th position in 2024 to 5th in 2025) were punished in the 37th minute where Scottland's Tymon Machope found his 16th goal of the season, giving the Mabvuku side the lead.

In the 46th minute, Tadiwa Chakuchichi found Scottland's second goal, with a low shot past charging Chris Mverechena, TelOne's goalie.

TelOne were however not down and out as they kept a fighting spirit which paid off in the 55th minute from a low shot by Tawanda Macheke just outside the Scottland box, finding the back of the net, making it 2-1.

Back to the champions, Scottland's journey to the summit marks only the second time in 41 years that a newly promoted side has claimed the Zimbabwean top-flight crown, a feat last achieved by Black Rhinos FC in 1984.

Promoted from the Northern Region Division One League at the end of 2024, the club entered the PSL with ambitious expectations, backed by the club president, Honourable Scott Sakupwanya's vision to transform a community outfit into a national powerhouse, as he said.

Scottland amassed 69 points for the season from 34 matches, finishing seven points clear of runners-up MWOS FC who finished on 62 points.

Scottland won 20 matches, lost five and drew nine.

Meanwhile, as the curtains come down in the PSL today, Sunday November 23, it is a battle of survival at the bottom end of the league as eight teams are at risk of relegation, including Zimbabwe' two big clubs, Dynamos FC and Highlanders FC.

Already relegated is Kwekwe United who have only managed to get 10 points from 33 games, with 25 losses, seven draws and one victory.

The teams at risk of relegation include Yadah FC with 35 points, Greenfuel on 36, Bikita Minerals and Triangle FC both on 37, while Dynamos, Manica Diamonds, Chicken Inn and Highlanders are all on 38 points.

Today, Greenfuel takes on Triangle United at the Greenfuel Arena, Chicken Inn takes on Highlanders at Barbourfields, Manica Diamonds take on Bikita Minerals at Sakubva Stadium, Simba Bhora is with Yadah at Wadzanai Stadium, Dynamos take on FC Platinum at Rufaro Stadium and Kwekwe United have a date with Caps United at Ascot Stadium. All matches begin at 15:00hrs.