Mandla Masango: The Toyota Cup will help Chiefs build momentum for this season

The pre-season tournament enters its third edition, with Amakhosi still chasing their first Toyota Cup title after losing to Young Africans S.C. in 2024 and Asante Kotoko SC in 2025. 

This year they will face Scottland FC on 26 July at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Masango says the club’s rich history demands success and trophies throughout.

"I think when you play for Kaizer Chiefs, you are judged by winning trophies. With the history of the club, it's always the case that you compete to win. So it's really important for them to try and compete for this cup in order to set the tone for the rest of the season," said Masango.

READ: Why Kaizer Chiefs picked Zimbabwe champs Scottland FC for Toyota Cup

Masango added that the competition is also an important opportunity to build synergy amongst players before the start of the new campaign.

"For the new players, just to see where they are in terms of gelling with the other players. Chiefs finished very strong towards the end of the season, so they would want to take that opportunity to integrate the new players in order for them to reach greater heights."

The 36-year-old believes facing strong African opposition will also help prepare Chiefs for continental football after qualifying for the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup following their top-three finish in the Betway Premiership.

"I think they are bringing a lot of experience. They have players like Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, and [Terrence] Dzvukamanja; they have international experience. So I think it will be good for Kaizer Chiefs to test themselves against such teams because they will be participating in the CAF Confederation Cup."

Masango also expressed excitement about the Toyota Cup curtain-raiser match, where Kaizer Chiefs legends will take on Jozi Masters. Stating that such occasions always bring back special memories.