Zimbabwean champions Scottland were forced to use Uber vehicles in Eswatini after police officers assigned to escort their team bus reportedly failed to arrive on time, disrupting preparations for their crucial CAF second-leg encounter against Nsingizini Hotspurs.
The incident happened on Friday, 11 September 2026, ahead of Saturday’s match at Somhlolo Stadium. Scottland had been allocated a one-hour training session between 3 pm and 4 pm.
Scottland Forced Into Uber Vehicles
According to Hopewell Chin’ono, the transport problems left the players and technical staff racing against time.
“With their bus stranded and the clock already running, the players and technical team abandoned their original transport arrangements and used Uber vehicles to reach the venue.”
Chin’ono said the last-minute change meant Scottland lost approximately 20 minutes of their permitted training time.
He also reported that the team woke up to small grains, known as zviyo (small grains), scattered around their bus.
Chin’ono Speaks On Reported Rituals
Chin’ono criticised what he described as the use of traditional rituals in African football.
“It is deeply backward that some African football teams still resort to juju, believing that rituals and supernatural powers can help them defeat their opponents.”
He continued:
“It is unfortunate that, instead of relying on proper preparation, tactical discipline, talent and hard work, some teams waste time scattering strange substances around buses, dressing rooms and stadiums in the hope of influencing results.”
Chin’ono concluded:
“Football matches are won through professionalism and performance on the pitch, not superstition.”
Scottland Defend 1-0 Advantage
Scottland enter Saturday’s second leg with a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first meeting.
The match kicks off at 3pm, with Mabviravira needing to protect their lead and secure progress in the CAF competition.
The post Scottland ‘Sabotaged’ In Eswatini As Zimbabwean Champions Are Forced To Use Uber appeared first on iHarare News.
