MBABANE – A massive financial windfall is set to transform the landscape of the country’s elite football as CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe delivers on his promise to make African club football globally competitive.
In a landmark announcement, the continental body has confirmed major increases to the prize money and solidarity packages for the 2025/26 interclub competitions.
This move is a massive game-changer for local teams as the MTN Premier League champions and the Ingwenyama Cup winners will now benefit from a 100 per cent increase in participation fees.
Any local side representing Eswatini in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup is now guaranteed a minimum payment of E1.85 million, even if they are eliminated in the preliminary stages. This is a substantial leap from the E925 000 offered last season, providing vital relief for clubs burdened by the high costs of continental travel.
The urgency of this boost is highlighted by the experiences of Eswatini’s representatives last year. Nsingizini Hotspurs, who made history by winning the league title for the first time, represented the country in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, while Royal Leopard campaigned in the CAF Confederation Cup after clinching the Ingwenyama Cup. Both sides faced stiff competition and were eliminated in the preliminary rounds, receiving the then-standard E925 000 solidarity fee.
In contrast, the 2024/25 continental titles were swept by giants: Egypt’s Al Ahly secured the Champions League title and E74 million, while Zamalek, who defeated RS Berkane, claimed the Confederation Cup and E37 million.
Announcing the new historic increases, Dr Motsepe emphasised that the decision is part of a wider plan to strengthen club football. “We are committed to ensuring that African club football is globally competitive and self-sustaining,” the CAF president stated.
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