Appointed interim coach of Scottland after the sacking of Norman Mapeza, Peter Ndlovu saw his team beat CAPS United 1-0 on his debut in the dugout, praise echoed by his brother Madinda, according to The Herald.
In his first outing as interim coach of Scottland, the former international saw his team win 1-0 against CAPS United at Rufaro Stadium on Thursday, The Herald reports. A sixth-minute goal from Emmanuel Jalai on matchday 32 was enough to secure this first victory.
The appointment had come in a hurry: Scottland and Norman Mapeza parted ways after the club’s elimination from the CAF Champions League, according to the Zimbabwean daily. Against that backdrop, Madinda, the elder brother who played for Highlanders, praised his younger sibling’s performance, although Peter’s permanent appointment has not yet been confirmed.
A leader through and through, according to Madinda
Madinda Ndlovu made no secret of his pride. “I am very happy for my young brother Nsukuzonke. He has always been a leader. I opened the doors for him and the late Adam at Bosso, but they took the family gift to another level,” he told The Herald.
The eldest of the brothers stressed how tough the first assignment was: “Winning your first match as a coach, against a big team like CAPS United and under this pressure at Scottland, shows character.”
Coventry, 1992 and a pioneer
According to The Herald, Peter Ndlovu was the first African to play and score in the English Premier League, in a Coventry City shirt in 1992.
The Ndlovu brothers were also the first siblings to represent Zimbabwe at the same time, under Reinhard Fabisch, again according to The Herald. Adam Ndlovu died on 16 December 2012; Madinda mentions the late brother in his reaction.
The title still in sight
The win over CAPS United keeps Scottland in the title race with 64 points, five behind leaders Hardrock, The Herald specifies.
Peter Ndlovu’s permanent appointment has not yet been confirmed, and Scottland continue their pursuit of the Zimbabwean league title.