Mapeza admits Scottland got ‘reality check’ in Toyota Cup loss to Chiefs

Norman Mapeza has admitted Scottland FC’s Toyota Cup loss to Kaizer Chiefs gave them a reality check of what to expect in the upcoming 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

While Mapeza was satisfied with how his players applied themselves in the match where both teams changed their entire XI at half-time, the first-half performance left a lot to be desired.

In the first half, Mapeza threw new signings, Namibian winger Stoffel Witbeen and Brazilian forward Anderson Cardoso de Campos, into the fray before calling on the usually reliable senior players.

Knowledge Musona, Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Moses Shidolo, Kevin Moyo and Emmanuel Jalai all came on, but they couldn’t hurt Amakhosi, who held on to their slender lead.

Mfundo Vilakazi’s goal was all Kaizer Chiefs needed to secure the win, a confidence booster ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.

‘IT WAS GOOD PREPARATION’ SAYS NORMAN MAPEZA

Kaizer Chiefs vs Scottland FC in Toyota Cup at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa. Picture by Kaizer Chiefs

After the match, Mapeza admitted they still have a lot to learn ahead of the club’s maiden appearance in the CAF Champions League, which gets underway in August.

“I think it was a good game, but for our team, it was good preparation as we move towards the CAF Champions League campaign. I am more than happy with the boys,” Mapeza told SABC Sport.

“We brought in two teams. That was the condition in the memo, because some of these guys are not getting enough playing minutes at home. So I wanted to see if we have enough depth, but overall, I’m pleased.”

Scottland FC return to Harare where they have a game in hand against Dynamos FC. On Saturday, they face MWOS FC in the usual grudge match, with MWOS hoping to derail Scottland FC’s title bid.

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