GABORONE — Debutants Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies have seen a staggering E2.3 million payday slip through their fingers.
This follows a bruising exit from the Women’s Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League qualifying phases. The Eswatini envoys missed out on the guaranteed US$ 150 000 (about E2.3 million) bounty, which is a lucrative sum awarded to every club that secures a spot in the finals of the prestigious continental tournament.
Nsingizini’s worst fears were officially confirmed on Tuesday, August 25, following a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Malawi’s Silver Strikers. The regional qualifying matches, currently being contested in Botswana under the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) banner, proved to be a stern learning curve for the Eswatini champions.
Drawn in a demanding Group B alongside Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, which are the most successful club in the history of the regional qualifier with two titles, Nsingizini struggled to find their footing. Their campaign opened on a harsh note as the South African giants handed them an 8-0 thrashing.
Hopes of a turnaround were further dashed in their second fixture against neighbouring Costa do Sol of Mozambique, who delivered another blow with a 3-1 victory. Tuesday’s defeat to Silver Strikers sealed a dismal run, leaving Nsingizini rock bottom of Group B with three consecutive defeats and no points to show for their efforts.
The elimination represents not only a sporting disappointment but a massive financial blow for the club, missing out on funds that could have transformed their operational capabilities.
Defending champions AS FAR of Morocco have already booked their place in the tournament proper. They will be joined by the winners of the six zonal qualifiers and a representative from the host nation as the search for Africa’s club champions continues without the Eswatini debutants.
Leave a comment