By Tapiwa Chawagarira
HARARE — Scottland Football Club has confirmed that their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026/27 preliminary round first-leg clash against Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs will be played at the National Sports Stadium on September 6, following approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The match was initially scheduled for the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, as Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium awaited CAF clearance.
Scottland FC confirmed on Monday that CAF had approved the club’s request to move the fixture to Harare, making the club the first beneficiary of the National Sports Stadium’s return to hosting international football.
The development marks a major boost for Zimbabwean football, with local clubs set to enjoy home advantage in continental competitions once again after being forced to host international matches outside the country due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium.
Scottland FC said it is now looking forward to a grand reopening of the National Sports Stadium and called on Zimbabweans to rally behind the team for what is expected to be a historic occasion.
The club will face Nsingizini Hotspurs in the first leg on September 6 as it begins its campaign in Africa’s premier club competition.
“We now look forward to a grand reopening of the venue, and we rely on the support of Zimbabweans to make it a memorable occasion,” the club said.
The return of international football to the National Sports Stadium is expected to bring significant financial and sporting benefits, while restoring a crucial home-ground advantage for Zimbabwean clubs competing on the continent.
