Eswatini CAF envoys in eight-player blitz

MANZINI — Eswatini’s CAF envoys Nsingizini Hotspurs have sent out a statement of intent by unveiling eight new signings ahead of their continental assignment next weekend.

South African forward Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu headlines the arrivals, completing a permanent transfer following a successful loan spell last season and quashing reports linking him with a move to Kruger United. Hotspurs have also boosted their attack with the addition of Ghanaian striker Emmanuel Nana Sarpong.

Domestically, the Shiselweni-based outfit have raided top-flight rivals, securing former Mbabane Swallows duo Njongo ‘Jakalazi’ Mazibuko and Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula. They are joined by former Green Mamba midfielder Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula, who was surprisingly placed on the transfer list earlier this month alongside Khethokuhle Mkhontfo.

Midfielder Muzi Mkhonta arrives from Ubombo Sugar, while defender Ncamiso ‘Macembe’ Nkwanyana joins from newly-promoted Red Rhinos. Promising talent Lwandisa Dlamini completes the roster, earning a promotion from Nsingizini’s development squad.

The Mandla Qhogi-led side travel to Zimbabwe next Sunday to face rising powerhouses Scottland FC in the first preliminary round of the TotalEnergies Confederation of African  Football (CAF) Champions League at the renovated National Sports Stadium. However, the new arrivals are expected to miss out on the tie, as the registration deadline for the first window of CAF inter-club competitions has already closed.

Instead, the new recruits will prove vital as Nsingizini begin their 8Bet Trade Fair Cup title defence against Madlenya today at 3:45 pm. With their domestic season curtain-raiser directly overlapping with their continental preparations, Hotspurs will be forced to split their squad.

This marks Insingizi YeZulu’s second appearance in Africa’s premier club competition. On their debut last season, they dispatched Simba Bhora in the first preliminary round before being knocked out by Tanzanian giants Simba SC just short of the group stages. Their opponents, dubbed ‘The Mamelodi Sundowns of Zimbabwe’, are making their debut in the competition.

Nsingizini Hotspurs signings