Story by Anashe Murombedzi
PREMIER Soccer League champions, Scottland FC, have stepped up preparations for the 2026 Castle Lager PSL season with a month-long pre-season training camp in South Africa and Eswatini, as the Mabvuku-based side targets a successful title defence and a strong continental campaign.
As part of their build-up, Scottland will face Eswatini champions, Nsingizini Hotspurs, in an international friendly match next Wednesday, with the fixture scheduled for February 4.
The friendly will provide a stern test for the reigning PSL champions, as Nsingizini Hotspurs are the same side that eliminated Simba Bhora from the CAF Champions League in the previous campaign.
Scottland are under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Norman Mapeza, who is overseeing preparations aimed at maintaining domestic dominance while also positioning the club for a historic appearance in the CAF Champions League.
The club is also working towards arranging another international friendly against a team currently competing in the CAF Champions League, as part of efforts to expose the squad to high-level competition ahead of the new season.
Scottland’s competitive season will officially begin on 28 February, when they take on Chibuku Super Cup winners Dynamos in the Castle Challenge Cup.
Meanwhile, the club has moved to secure the future of promising winger Tadiwa Chakuchichi, extending his contract by a further two years, with discussions ongoing for a longer-term and improved deal.
The teenage winger enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring four goals and earning a call-up to the senior national team that competed at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
With preparations intensifying and key players retained, Scottland appear determined to defend their league crown while making a meaningful impact on the continental stage.
