Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda in PHOKENG, South Africa
KAIZER Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz heaped praises on Zimbabwean champions Scottland and believes they could have a good trip in their maiden Caf Champions League campaign.
Amakhosi edged Mabvirarira 1-0 in an exciting Toyota Cup match at the Royal Bafokeng in Phokeng yesterday.
Mfundo Vilakazi’s 16th-minute strike settled the game that was played in front of a full house.
Both sides fielded two different sides in each half, with Scottland throwing in their heavy hitters in the second stanza.
“Scottland are a very good side; they were good both technically and physically,” the well-travelled Da Cruz said. The Frenchman is one of the rising coaches on the continent.
He also had stints in Belgium and France before coming to Africa.
Da Cruz thinks Scottland might spring some surprises in the Caf Champions League, which commences in September.
“Depending on the fixtures, I think this team might have a good trip in the Caf Champions League.
“They are good possessionally,” added the French gaffer.
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza fielded a fringe side in the first half with Abubakar Moffat leading the side. Talbert Shumba was in goal behind Albert Manenji, Issaka Mohamed, Nixon Nyasulu and new signing Al Ameen Tijan.
Fellow new arrivals Stoffel Witbeen of Namibia and Brazilian Anderson De Campos also started.
In the second half, Mapeza brought in the stars Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona, Kwake Twala, Emmanuel Jalai, Moses Shidolo and goalkeeper Nelson Chadya.
Kevin Moyo, Peter Muduhwa, Mtokozisi Msebe, Walter Musona and Panashe Mutimbanyoka also came in.
Mapeza was impressed with how his charges acquitted themselves.
“We came here to test ourselves ahead of the Caf Champions League and I am sure we got the test,” said Mapeza.
However, Mapeza felt there was not much difference between his side and the Soweto giants.
“Football is almost the same across the world,” said Mapeza.
“Kaizer Chiefs got a half chance and they converted; we also got half chances.
“But credit goes to my boys, they worked so hard,” added Mapeza.
The Zimbabwean outfit tested Kaizer Chiefs on a few occasions, but Brandon Petersen, the Glamour Boys captain, stood firm between the posts to preserve Chiefs’ 1-0 lead heading into the halftime break.
Luke Baartman was also dangerous on the left flank for Chiefs while Dillan Solomons charged from the right channel.
Scottland were also offensive but lacked good decisions when it mattered most, like when Panashe Mutimbanyoka chose to roast his marker before crossing the ball, allowing the Kaizer Chiefs defence to regroup. Knowledge Musona came close with a dipping free kick in the second half.
His link-up play with Billiat also reminded Kaizer Chiefs of the days they used to enjoy watching the duo, although they played for Amakhosi on different occasions.
In the end, the Zimbabwean champions got the test they wanted, even though they dominated especially in the second half.
“Once you play a team outside your country, it’s a different ball game altogether.
“It’s a good test,” said Mapeza.
Scottland were invited to play in the Toyota Cup, an annual pre-season cup that is now into its third edition.
Kaizer Chiefs lost to Ghana outfit Asante Kotoko in last season’s Toyota Cup.
They fell to Young Africans of Tanzania the year before.
Last weekend, Kaizer Chiefs were in Spain, where they lost 1-2 against La Liga side Elche in an international club friendly.
The Soweto giants will play in the Caf Confederation Cup after finishing third in the 2025/2026 Betway Premiership.
