Scottland coach Norman Mapeza remained upbeat after his side lost 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs in the 2026 Toyota Cup on Sunday.
The Zimbabwean champions treated the fixture as an important test before their CAF Champions League campaign.
Mapeza also used the opportunity to assess his squad depth by giving every available player valuable minutes.
The experienced coach started with a youthful lineup in the opening half.
Moreover, Namibian winger Stoffel Witbeen and Brazilian striker Anderson Cardoso de Campos both made their Scottland debuts.
After the break, Mapeza introduced a completely new starting XI.
The second-half team featured senior players Knowledge Musona, Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Moses Shidolo, Peter Muduhwa, Kevin Moyo, and Emmanuel Jalai.
Mapeza pleased with team’s progress
Despite the narrow defeat, Mapeza praised his players’ effort and commitment.
He believes the match provided valuable preparation for the challenges ahead.
“I think it was a good game, but coming to our team, it was a good preparation as we move towards the CAF Champions League campaign. I am more than happy for the boys,” he said in a post-match interview on SABC Sport.
Coach explains wholesale half-time changes
Mapeza revealed the mass substitutions were planned before kick-off.
He wanted every player to gain meaningful match experience.
He also aimed to evaluate the team’s overall depth ahead of the continental competition.
He added: “We brought in two teams, that was the condition on 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 will now return to league action before shifting their full attention to the CAF Champions League later this year.
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