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Veronica Gwaze-Sports Reporter

GOOD times beckon for Mabvuku community with Scottland FC set to establish a professional women’s team by the beginning of next year.

The move is in line with the revised CAF club licensing rules, which requires every football club to have a women’s team.

While some of the players will come from across the country, first preference will be given to ladies from around Mabvuku community.

To play under Northern Region Women Soccer League, the team will run under the name Scottland Queens FC.

With the male side currently aiming for promotion to the top flight league by next season, Scottland will be hoping to comply with the CAF regulations.

In 2021, CAF announced that effective 2022-2023, teams without women’s sides would not be allowed to participate in the men’s continental club competitions.

“We have planned to have a women’s team next season, in line with CAF requirements,” said Scottland secretary general Fortune Bgwoni.

“On paper, plans are afoot, but a lot still needs to be done and part of it is having a technical team because we will want them to scout their own team.”

With CAF having taken a serious approach to promote women football, some clubs like Dynamos, Ngezi Platinum and Bulawayo Chiefs had to establish ladies’ teams at the start of the year.

The teams added to Highlanders Royals, Herentals, Chapungu, Black Rhinos Queens, Harare City, Platinum Royals and Yadah Queens who were already in existence.

“We have so much female talent in the community and all we need is to identify and create a conducive environment for the young ladies to flourish,” said Bgwoni.

“What excites me the most is that we have the potential to do it so it is all up to us to push ourselves into action.”

Scottland have also set a five-year plan to ensure that their teams are bankrolled and financially stable for the period.

According to the plan, the club will also ensure that their teams are self-sustainable by introducing a number of initiatives towards income generation.

Part of the initiatives will be to establish a replica kits and accessories shop for the club.

“Basically we have a five-year plan already in motion to ensure that come what may, Scottland as a club has a guaranteed line of five years,” he added.

“We are not saying it will die thereafter, but that financially, we are already set for five years and whatever we then get along the way will be channelled for life after the five years.

“Our biggest focus on the five-year plan is to come up with ways to ensure that Scottland is self-sustainable in the near future.”

Scottland have also set a target of two-years to complete the upgrading of Mabvuku Number One grounds into an international standard sporting complex.

Bgwoni said the refurbishment will also see an establishment of an Olympic size swimming pool at the facility.

“Give or take two-years we intend to be done with the project,” he added.