Kaizer Chiefs will renew acquaintances with two of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated footballers when Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona return to South Africa in the colours of Scottland FC for the 2026 Toyota Cup at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace near Rustenburg on Sunday, 26 July.
The pre-season encounter forms a key part of Amakhosi’s preparations for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign, which gets underway on 1 August. The match will also officially reopen the refurbished Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace after an extensive renovation programme.
For Chiefs supporters, the fixture carries added significance as they welcome back two familiar faces. Billiat, who spent five seasons at Naturena after joining from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018, remains one of the club’s most recognisable former stars. Musona, affectionately known as the “Smiling Assassin”, also enjoyed two successful spells with Amakhosi and played a major role in several trophy-winning campaigns before moving abroad.
The Zimbabwean duo are now leading figures at Scottland FC, one of Zimbabwe’s newest football powerhouses. Backed by businessman Tonderai
experienced Zimbabwean internationals and is coached by former Warriors mentor Norman Mapeza, who previously worked in South African football with Ajax Cape Town and Chippa United.
Chiefs, meanwhile, will be looking to continue building under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz, who has taken charge ahead of the new campaign. The Toyota Cup will provide another opportunity for the French mentor to assess combinations, integrate the club’s new signings and fine-tune his tactical approach before competitive football begins.
Amakhosi have already completed an intensive pre-season training camp in Spain, where they faced quality international opposition. They drew 1-1
with Saudi Arabian side Al Kholood before taking on Spanish club Elche in their final warm-up fixture. The overseas camp gave Da Cruz valuable time to work with his squad while improving fitness and tactical discipline ahead of the new season.
The Toyota Cup is also expected to give supporters their first close look at Chiefs’ new signings, who are expected to feature as the club seeks to strengthen the squad following an
club has also confirmed that supporters attending the match will be introduced to the new arrivals during the event.
Scottland FC arrive with growing confidence after rapidly establishing themselves among Zimbabwe’s leading clubs. Their ambitious recruitment strategy and experienced squad have made them one of the country’s most talked-about teams, with the Toyota Cup providing another opportunity to test themselves against one of Africa’s biggest clubs.
Although the result will not count towards league standings, both teams are expected to approach the contest with seriousness. For Chiefs, it is the final dress rehearsal before the Premiership season begins, while Scottland FC will be eager to showcase their quality on South African soil.
With the return of Billiat and Musona, the debut of Da Cruz on home soil, and the unveiling of Chiefs’ new-look squad, the 2026 Toyota Cup promises to deliver an entertaining afternoon and another memorable chapter in the long-standing football rivalry between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
