Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC have been drawn against Eswatini powerhouse Nsingizini Hotspurs in the preliminary round of the 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League following the official draw conducted at the Confederation of African Football headquarters in Cairo on Thursday.

The Harare-based outfit, who sealed their maiden Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League title to secure the nation's sole ticket to Africa's premier club competition, will host the first leg in September before traveling to Eswatini for the decisive return fixture a week later. The winner over the two-legged tie will progress to the second preliminary round, moving one step closer to the lucrative group stages.

Despite entering the tournament as continental debutants, Scottland FC supporters across the country have received the draw with immense enthusiasm and confidence. The presence of international marquee signings such as Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat, combined with the experienced leadership of head coach Norman Mapeza, has fueled widespread belief that the Mabvuku-backed side possesses the quality to navigate past the Eswatini champions.

Harare resident and lifelong football enthusiast Tendai Chitate expressed complete faith in the team’s attacking composition ahead of their continental debut.

"Scottland FC is not  your average debutant in this competition," Chitate said. "When you have proven match-winners like Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat in your frontline, you carry instant composure and top-level experience onto the pitch. 

The attacking depth we have gives us every reason to believe we can take control of this opening fixture from the very first whistle."

Echoing similar sentiments, Bulawayo-based supporter Farai Mupfurutsa highlighted the tactical discipline brought by head coach Norman Mapeza as a primary factor behind the high expectations.

"Norman Mapeza’s continental track record is our biggest asset in this fixture," Mupfurutsa emphasized. 

"He understands the physical and tactical demands of CAF competitions inside out. Nsingizini Hotspurs are a solid side, but containing a disciplined, well-drilled Scottland team over two legs is going to be a massive mountain for them to climb."

In Mabvuku, where the club enjoys a passionate local following, supporter Blessing Mutasa described the preliminary draw as an ideal matchup for the club to establish early momentum on the continental stage.

"This draw is exactly what we needed to build our confidence early on," Mutasa remarked. "While no team in the CAF Champions League can be taken lightly, our domestic championship run proved that this squad has the maturity and balance across all departments to handle high-stakes pressure. If the boys maintain their usual standards, we will comfortably reach the next round."

Meanwhile, sports commentator and fan delegate Kudzai Ndlovu stressed that the club's administrative backing and depth will prove decisive during the demanding home-and-away schedule.

"What separates Scottland from previous debutants is our exceptional squad depth and financial stability," Ndlovu noted. "The board’s heavy investment in top-tier talent eliminates the roster constraints that usually hurt first-time participants. I am fully confident we won't just advance past Nsingizini Hotspurs, but go far enough to make Zimbabwean football proud on the big stage."