Online Reporter
- Scottland invitation for Toyota Cup comes amid xenophobic attacks in SA
- Jessica Motaung emphasises the importance of unity at tourney’s launch
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
KAIZER Chiefs’ decision to invite Scottland to the Toyota Cup next month is a huge statement on the values of brotherhood at a time when attacks on foreigners have risen in South Africa.
The Mabvuku side will become the first Zimbabwean side to feature in the pre-season Toyota Cup.
They will follow in the footsteps of Young Africans of Tanzania and Asante Kotoko of Ghana.
Scottland have been leading the way, among local sides, in establishing relationships with foreign clubs, including Supa Diski teams.
They have hosted officials from Chiefs and Durban City. Chiefs marketing and commercial director, Jessica Motaung, said sport plays a very big part in uniting nations.
“Madiba said sport unites and it’s very important that we as a sports brand bring that to the fore,” said Jessica.
“It’s important for us as a nation to work together and as a continent to work together.
“We are building on our history with Zimbabwe, the players that we have had coming out of Zimbabwe and the great relationship we have had with the Zimbabwe nation.”
Jessica described Scottland as a team which was making the right noises and the right moves.
“It’s a team that is making waves in its league and in its country.
“It’s a team that’s doing things differently but at the same time building a legacy that I think is gonna be exciting.”
Scottland will represent Zimbabwe in the next CAF Champions League.
The 2026 Toyota Cup will be staged at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg on July 26.
Kaizer Chiefs have been home to several Zimbabwean players over the years.
They include Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat, who are currently playing for Scottland, Ebson “Sugar” Muguyo, Mike Maringa, Kelvin Mushangazhike, Hussein Amidu, Kingstone Nkatha, Tinashe Nengomasha, Ovidy Karuru, Zhaimu Jambo and Willard Katsande.
Scottland are in second place, because of an inferior goal difference to leaders Hardrock, ahead of the midweek matches, which get underway today.
With eight clean sheets in their last 10 matches, the Scotts have the best defence in the marathon after 16 rounds of matches.
They have conceded just six goals in 16 games, at 0.3 goals per game.
Scottland have registered four clean sheets in a row in the last four games.
Mabviravira are yet to concede since May 13, when they beat Agama 2-1 at Wadzanai in Shamva.
Their coach Norman Mapeza is looking for his first championship since winning the league title with FC Platinum in 2022.
It was his third championship with the Zvishavane side.
Although Mapeza is not willing to talk about the league championship, at least for now, it is clear Scottland are one of the strong favourites to retain the title.
Mabviravira have raked in 13 points out of a possible 15 in the last five rounds, which translates to an 87 percent success rate.
Scottland are the only team in the league that has won the last three consecutive matches.
“It’s early days (to start thinking about the title),” Mapeza told the media.
“For us, we just need to take the games as they come, collect maximum points and see what happens at the end of the season.
“What is important right now is to just focus on each game and get maximum points.”
Scottland host bottom-placed Triangle United at Rufaro tomorrow, hoping to improve their clean sheet tally to 13 in 17 matches.
Centre-back Kevin Moyo believes Scottland’s defensive abilities are a result of “good understanding” among the players.
“It’s all about team work and it’s something that we always discuss in training that we mustn’t concede easy goals.
“Teams must work hard to penetrate our team,” said Moyo.
Triangle have scored nine goals and conceded 20 goals in 16 matches, the same tally as Manica Diamonds.
