THE STRENGTH of Zimbabwe’s Scotland FC, the team that will compete against Kaizer Chiefs in the 2026 Toyota Cup, will not only help them continue with last season’s streak but will clarify the new coach on the type of players he will have.
This is the view of former Chiefs player Mandla “Bullet” Masango told the media this week in Johannesburg.
The Chiefs will face Scotland in the Toyota Cup on July 26, at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, Rustenburg.
In the Scotland squad there are players who were the stars of Chiefs in previous years, Knowledge “Smilling Assasin” Musona and Khama Billiat.
There is also Terrence Dzvukamanja who played for Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United.
Scotland was coached by Norman Mapeza who coached Chippa United and the Zimbabwean national team.
All this indicates that the Chiefs will not have an easy game in the opinion of Masango who will be in the team of the champions of this Naturena team that will beat the dew with the choice of the champions of Johannesburg, the Jozi Masters.
“Chiefs ended the last season as one of the teams in form, so hurrying back to the field can help them to continue their streak even as the new (season) starts,” said Masango.
“There are Chiefs players whose form ended last season, so I know they are eager to return to the field as soon as possible so they can continue where they left off.”
Amakhosi parted ways with acting coaches, Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, at the end of last season despite helping them finish third in the Betway Premiership log.
Although there are many names associated with the coach who will replace Kaze and Ben Youssef, the rumors indicate that it will be Fernando Da Cruz from France who once worked for a short time in Chiefs under Nassredinne Nabi.
“Even if he will be known or not, the next Chiefs coach will have a good chance to see the type of players he will meet,” said Masango.
Scotland established in 2023, are the champions of the Zimbabwean league. It will play for the first time in the Caf Champions League next season.
The Toyota Cup will be played for the third time this year since its inception in 2024.
Last year, Chiefs drew 0-0 with Asante Kotoko of Ghana, and ended up losing on penalties in Durban, and in 2024, they were beaten by Young Africans of Tanzania 4-0 in Free State.