Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
DEFENDING Premier Soccer League champions Scottland will make their debut in continental football in September after the Confederation of African Football (Confederation of African Football) confirmed the dates for the preliminary rounds of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
The announcement sets the stage for Scottland’s first appearance on the continental stage, marking a major milestone for the club following their domestic league triumph.
The Mabvuku-based side earned their place in Africa’s premier club competition after winning the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title in their debut top-flight campaign, securing Zimbabwe’s sole Champions League berth.
Under CAF’s provisional calendar, the first preliminary round will be played from the 4th to the 6th of September, with the return legs scheduled a week later.
Teams that advance will progress to the second preliminary round, where first-leg fixtures are set for the 16th to the 18th of October before the decisive return matches take place a week later.
Should Scottland successfully negotiate the qualifying rounds, they will secure a place in the group stage, which is expected to begin in late November and continue through February before the knockout phase gets underway.
Preparations for the club’s maiden continental campaign are already underway, with Scottland having accepted an invitation to face South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup as part of their build-up.
The Zimbabwean champions will now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League preliminary round draw, expected during the first week of August, when they will discover the opponents for their historic first appearance on the continental stage.
The club will also be hoping the National Sports Stadium will have been approved by CAF in time to host their home matches on Zimbabwean soil.
