MBABANE – Eswatini’s two CAF inter-club representatives, Green Mamba and Nsingizini Hotspurs, are set for a meaningfully reduced financial burden ahead of the 2026/27 continental campaign.
Reports emerging from Sigwaca House indicate that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is prepared to restructure its participation fees disbursement schedule. Over the past two seasons, these solidarity payments were only distributed at the end of the tournament cycle.
According to a well-placed source, competing teams will now receive their participation and solidarity money upfront. Each qualifying club is entitled to US$100 000, which converted to approximately E1.6 million this week.
“Teams will have no reason to struggle or complain about cash limitations, which eventually force them to compromise on essential needs at the expense of squad performance,” the source revealed. “I recall when we previously competed, hotel bills tended to be excessive while we were running on extremely limited resources.”
Expressed optimism
The source expressed optimism that this early pipeline of funding would directly boost the performance of local clubs on the continental stage.
However, the insider also lamented the collapse of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) Enterprise Project. The project had been expected to inject more than E300 million into member associations during the 2027–2030 cycle, which would have provided long-term financial stability for developing football nations like Eswatini.
Attempts to verify the development with Eswatini Football Association (EFA) General Secretary Frederick Mngomezulu proved unsuccessful, as his phone rang unanswered yesterday. While CAF now pays these funds directly to the clubs, the continental governing body still coordinates all tournament administration through the national federation.
Aware of the changes
When reached for comment, Green Mamba Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nthuthuko Dlamini stated he was not yet officially aware of the changes. However, he admitted the shift would bring immense relief as his side prepares to face Angolan giants Clube Desportivo Primeiro de Agosto in the two-legged first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. The Correctional Services side recently received a further boost after securing local sponsorship packages worth E360 000 for their continental return.
Meanwhile, Nsingizini Hotspurs will make their debut against Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League. The club recently unveiled Sibebe Premium Lager as their primary shirt sponsor, though both parties requested that the financial terms of that agreement remain confidential.
While the official match fixtures are still awaiting final release, the first-leg ties are scheduled for the weekend of September 4-6, with the return legs taking place the following weekend.
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