Johnson Progress

Scottland FC has responded to controversy surrounding its president, Scott Sakupwanya’s, $100,000 sponsorship to Simba Bhora, clarifying that the funding is part of an existing agreement between Simba Bhora and Better Brands, a company that he owns.

The sponsorship, aimed at supporting Simba Bhora’s CAF Champions League campaign, sparked concerns among local football fans, with some speculating that it was an attempt to influence the PSL title race in favor of Scottland FC.

However, the club dismissed these claims, stating that the sponsorship has nothing to do with the ongoing title race.

“We have seen social media claims that Scottland FC president, Pedzai Sakupwanya, has given Simba Bhora FC $100,000 disguised as a CAF Champions League sponsorship,” Scottland FC said in a statement.

“Some people suggest this is a way to manipulate the PSL title race, currently led by Simba Bhora. It’s ironic because we played against Simba Bhora on MatchDay 28 on Saturday and were disappointed with the result, which kept us in second place. If we wanted to influence the title race, we could have done it during that match.”

The club emphasized its commitment to fair play, saying, “We believe in Fair Play and will compete for the league title on the field.”

Scottland FC also wished Simba Bhora success in their CAF Champions League journey, highlighting the importance of supporting Zimbabwean football.

Scottland FC explained that Simba Bhora’s sponsorship deal with Better Brands has been in place since the start of the season, with the company’s support evident on Simba Bhora’s kit.

“Simba Bhora has a sponsorship deal with Better Brands that has been in place since the start of the season, as shown on their kit,” the statement read.

“This deal ensures they are properly funded for their CAF Champions League participation.”

Simba Bhora is set to face Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs FC in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

The team will host the first leg at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, on Sunday, after their home ground failed to meet CAF requirements.

The sponsorship has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some questioning the ethics of a club president funding another team in the same league.

However, others have praised Sakupwanya’s support for Zimbabwean football.