Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza, [email protected]
SCOTTLAND chairman Everson Chatambudza believes the club’s invitation to face South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup represents another significant milestone in the Harare side’s rapid rise and an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwean football on a bigger stage.
The reigning Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions will travel to South Africa to face Amakhosi on July 26 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg in the third edition of the annual pre-season tournament.
The encounter will carry added significance for former Warriors captains Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat, who are set for emotional reunions with the club where they established themselves among Southern Africa’s elite players.
Musona first joined Chiefs in 2009 and went on to become one of the club’s most celebrated foreign imports, earning the nickname “Smiling Assassin” before embarking on a successful career in Europe.
Billiat also enjoyed a fruitful spell at Naturena after joining from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018, spending five seasons with the Soweto giants.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Chatambudza said the invitation was recognition of Scottland’s growing stature and an opportunity to strengthen football relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“This is a very important match for Scottland Football Club. Being invited to play Kaizer Chiefs in a competition of this magnitude is a sign that the work we have been doing is being recognised beyond Zimbabwe. We are honoured to be part of the Toyota Cup and we want to represent the country and our supporters with distinction.”
Chatambudza believes the fixture will be particularly special for Musona and Billiat, whose careers flourished during their time with the Glamour Boys.
“Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat have a rich history with Kaizer Chiefs. They achieved a lot there and are still respected by the supporters. It will certainly be an emotional occasion for them. But once the match starts, they will be representing Scottland and we expect them to approach the game with the professionalism and winning mentality that they have always shown.”
The chairman said Scottland would not treat the encounter merely as a ceremonial occasion.
“We are going there to compete. Kaizer Chiefs are one of the biggest clubs on the continent and such matches are important because they expose our players to a higher level and help us measure ourselves against the best. We also believe this fixture will help promote Zimbabwean football and show that our clubs are capable of competing and building relationships with top teams in Africa,” said Chatambudza.
The Toyota Cup was introduced in 2024 as an annual pre-season event featuring Kaizer Chiefs and leading clubs from across the continent.
Previous editions have seen Amakhosi host Tanzania’s Young Africans and Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko. Scottland’s participation makes them the first Zimbabwean club to feature in the competition and further underlines the growing profile of the ambitious Mabvuku-based outfit.
