Super-sub Tapera downs champions

SECOND-HALF substitute scored a late double to inspire newcomers Scottland to a deserved 2-0 win over reigning champions, Simba Bhora at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday. 

The Matchday 11 fixture pitted second and third on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League standings, making it the Match of the Weekend and attracted a decent crowd at the venue.

While Simba Bhora seemed to have the better chances in the first half, Scottland were overall in control and converted this into maximum points with a late blitz via Tapera. 

Tapera was introduced midway in the second half for striker Tymon Machope as coach, Tonderai Ndiraya sought to break the deadlock.

The former Manica Diamonds striker put Scottland into the lead in the 81st minute when he got to the end of a rebound -after a Mthokozise Msebe header had come off the upright -and smashed a left footer past the crowded Simba Bhora defence.

Tapera returned two minutes later with a blistering left-footer from outside the box that is firmly an early contender for the Goal of the Season. 

Although Simba Bhora kept trying, the Scottland defence held tight for yet another clean sheet and move to within a point of leaders, MWOS.

Speaking after the match, Tapera said he hopes to achieve double digits this season after scoring six for Manica Diamonds last year.

“I believe in God, and I believe it is His will that I do what I do. I also want to thank my teammates and supporters for their belief in me. I am also grateful for the coach’s trust especially in a set-up with stars like Khama Billiat, Walter Musona and the other team members.

“My target for this season is that we take the league championship so that my first league title is with Scottland. In terms of personal targets, I am hoping to score double digit goals.” 

Talking about his second goal, Tapera said: 

“I don’t think I have scored such a goal in my career. When I took the ball, the Simba Bhora defenders started opening up and I am grateful for the run made by Khama Billiat because he took defenders away from me and it gave me enough room to go direct towards goal. 

“And from our training sessions, I knew I was now in a shooting zone and I had to try my luck and, boom, I found the target.”

Scottland travel to Mutare for Matchday 12 against Manica Diamonds on Saturday.