Scottland Chairman Wants To Learn From Chiefs

Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC will face Kaizer Chiefs in the 2026 Toyota Cup, with club chairman Tonderai Sakupwanya revealing that the occasion presents an opportunity for his side to learn from one of African football's most enduring institutions.

Speaking to the media following the launch of the Toyota Cup at Naturena on Tuesday, Sakupwanya said the match is about more than just silverware, highlighting the value of understanding how a club such as Kaizer Chiefs has remained relevant and successful for more than five decades.

"You know, aligning ourselves with clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, legendary clubs, clubs that have been in existence for 50 years plus. We're a young club, like you said, but now we're trying to look for ways of sustaining it.

"How does a club get to survive for 50 years playing at a high level? So we're here on a learning curve. Silverware is part of it, but also learning how a club sustains itself. Learning how a club can maintain high level and high quality for a long time," Sakupwanya said.

The businessman and football administrator believes the fixture comes at an important moment, both for the club and the broader football community, while also serving as valuable preparation for continental competition.

"And especially, it comes at a stage where, you know, there's a lot of noise, you know, people are divided by a lot of things. So, you know, when they fight for a common cause, when they get on that field fighting for a common cause, they're playing as brothers after the game, it's a handshake. So, it comes at an opportune moment, but also it prepares us for CAF. I am saying we'll be competing in CAF. So, these are part of the preparation," Sakupwanya told journalists.

Scottland FC's squad boasts several familiar faces for South African football supporters, including former Kaizer Chiefs stars Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona, as well as ex-Orlando Pirates striker Terrence Dzvukamanja.

The Toyota Cup is expected to provide a competitive test for both sides as they continue their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.