Betway Premiership side Durban City FC and 2025 Zimbabwe PSL champions Scottland FC have entered into a R23.8 million partnership focused on youth development, tournaments, and coaching exchange programmes.
Scottland FC, home to former Kaizer Chiefs duo Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona, continues to make massive strides towards establishing a big name in continental football.
Dubbed ‘The Mamelodi Sundowns of Zimbabwe’, the club has been splashing money to secure big-name Zimbabwean players. They have already lured Mamelodi Sundowns legend Peter Ndlovu, who is now their team manager.
Former Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza is now in charge of the team. And in a latest development, the club has forged a relationship with Durban City, which they say is earmarked at creating pathways for local talent to get global opportunities.
WHAT SCOTTLAND FC DIRECTOR SAID ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
On Monday, the two clubs sealed a R23.8 million deal, with Scottland FC director Tonderai Sakupwanya saying it’s a ‘landmark moment for Southern African football’.
“I would like to announce a partnership between Durban City and Scottland FC, a landmark moment for Southern African football. This is more than a partnership, it is a regional football bridge between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“Our shared goal is to develop world-class players, coaches, and football institutions. We are building a pipeline from local talent to global opportunity.
“The collaboration represents a strategic football and commercial deal valued at 1.5 million US dollars. Investment covers youth development, technical support, exchanges, tournaments, and commercial growth. It signals serious intent and long-term commitment from both clubs.
“Player pathways include direct pathways for Scottland FC players into the SA ecosystem, European exposure opportunities, and structured loan systems to maximise player growth, creating an international level of professionalism,” Sakupwanya said.
Sakupwanya added that their focus will also be on nurturing budding talent from their juniors starting at Under-15 level.
“We are also working together on youth development, establishing a joint talent hub in Zimbabwe, shared coaching methodology and curriculum, annual youth tournaments under 15, under 17, and under 19, coaching education, and technical oversight.”
DURBAN CITY CEO SAYS THEY HAVE A SHARED VISION WITH SCOTTLAND FC
Durban City CEO Younus Kadodia is excited at the prospects of their partnership, saying they share the same vision with the 2025 Zimbabwe Champions.
He said, “This marks a very historic day for both Durban City Football Club and Scottland FC as we are in Harare, Zimbabwe to conclude a footballing collaboration with the reigning league champions of Zimbabwe, Scottland FC.
“As football clubs, we share the same vision for growth and success both on and off the field, and the alignment in this collaboration will speak to both clubs achieving this mandate.
“Durban City and Scottland Football Club share the same vision. If you look at Durban City, I think they have three players that have left the club and gone to play elsewhere. We have players playing in the MLS in the USA.”
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