Scottland FC coach Norman Mapeza explains positives from Kaizer Chiefs loss

Mfundo Vilakazi's first-half strike handed Amakhosi victory in the annual pre-season fixture, which Chiefs use as part of their build-up to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. For Scottland, however, the match provided an opportunity to maintain momentum as they continue their domestic season.

"Look, it was a good game of football. I think the people who came here enjoyed the game. Coming to our team, I think it's good preparation towards resuming our cup and league games. I'm happy with the boys today," Mapeza told SABC Sport after the match.

The Zimbabwean coach explained that he deliberately fielded two different line-ups to assess the depth of his squad and give more players valuable minutes on the pitch.

"We brought in two teams because that's what we had on the memo. I felt it was important to use both teams because some of these guys weren't getting enough game time at home. I wanted to see whether we have enough depth and, from what I saw today, I'm more than pleased," he said.

Reflecting on the contest, Mapeza admitted his side failed to capitalise on the opportunities they created and found it difficult to cope with Chiefs' physical presence in defence.

"We had some good half-chances and, on a better day, maybe we could have taken them. But Chiefs looked very organised at the back. They had a lot of height, so there was no need for us to keep putting in crosses because they have players who are very strong in the air," he added.

"That's something I'll take away as a coach. The next time we come up against opponents with similar physical attributes, I'll know how to approach the game better."