Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUST how good are Scottland?
They are leading the Castle Lager Premiership championship race by a healthy lead and are favourites to retain their crown.
But, can they make an impression in the CAF Champions League?
We will get a good idea of all that when they take on Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup on Sunday in Rustenberg.
Kick-off is at 2,30 pm.
“We are fully prepared, we are not coming from pre-season and we have played more than 20 of our league games which means that in terms of match fitness we are okay,” said coach Norman Mapeza.
“Our opponents are coming from the off-season break so, maybe, we might have a slight edge over them in terms of fitness.”
Scottland are using the Toyota Cup to prepare or their maiden journey in the CAF Champions League.
“This Cup competition will give us a true reflection of where exactly we stand in terms of being ready for the Champions League,” Mapeza said.
“The Champions League is a different ball game altogether.
“We need to be at our best and the Cup (game) will show us where we stand… but we will not pressure the boys, they just need to go and compete.
“Champions League will not be easy, just look at the quality of the Moroccan side, Algeria and an Egypt side that had five players from Al Ahly.
“That is the quality that we will meet in the competition.
“We will go and simply compete but we will not place ourselves under unnecessary pressure.”
Mapeza travelled with a bigger pool of players.
“From what I heard, they might use two teams so we also need to use two teams,” he said.
“Further, we never know what might happen next week, maybe PSL might instruct us to play Dynamos midweek which means that we have to be careful how we use our players.
“But, above everything, it is a game of football and everything comes down to preparations.
“It is a huge honour for us to be invited and we will grab the opportunity with both hands.
“I hope that in the coming editions, some of the local clubs will also be invited.”
