Scottland FC set for historic CAF debut

DEFENDING Premier Soccer League champions Scottland are set to make history in September when they make their maiden appearance in continental football following the confirmation of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League preliminary round dates by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The announcement marks a significant milestone for the Mabvuku-based club, which qualified for Africa's premier club competition after winning the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title in its debut top-flight campaign.

Scottland secured Zimbabwe's sole place in the CAF Champions League and will now test themselves against the continent's elite clubs.

Under CAF's provisional calendar, the first preliminary round will be played between September 4 and 6, with the return legs scheduled for the following week.

Teams that progress will advance to the second preliminary round, where the first-leg matches are set for October 16 to 18 before the return fixtures are played a week later.

Should Scottland successfully negotiate the qualifying rounds, they will book a place in the lucrative group stage, which is expected to begin in late November and run through February before the knockout stages commence.

Preparations for the club's historic 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 are also awaiting the CAF Champions League preliminary round draw, expected during the first week of August, when they will learn the identity of their first-ever continental opponents.

Scottland will also be hoping that the National Sports Stadium receives CAF approval in time to host their home matches in Zimbabwe, allowing local supporters to witness the club's historic debut on home soil.