MBABANE – Nsingizini Hotspurs Head Coach Mandla Qhogi suffered sleepless nights in Harare after church services near their camp disrupted preparation for today’s Scottland FC showdown.
Speaking ahead of the 3pm Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League preliminary round first leg at the National Sports Stadium, Qhogi joked about the unexpected distraction.
“There were a lot of church services around our camp base, and we couldn’t sleep properly,” Qhogi revealed. “I don’t know whether it was Scottland who sent the pastors. Maybe they are giving us the blessings.”
Despite the pre-match disturbance, the gaffer remains optimistic, noting that their recent 8Bet Trade Fair campaign, where they lost 0-1 to Young Buffaloes in the quarter-finals, provided adequate preparation despite a congested fixture list. The Eswatini outfit face a tactical adjustment transitioning to the expansive surface of Harare’s main arena.
“We are a possession-based team, and defensively we are solid. We play on smaller pitches at home. This field is much bigger, and I know we will struggle with that because of the intensity and match fitness. However, we are not under pressure; Scottland will be under pressure playing at home,” Qhogi added.
Addressing the departure of key players to Zimbabwean clubs, who include include defender Kwakhe Thwala, who joined Scottland,; Qhogi wished his former star well while expressing full confidence in his squad depth.
“Our exports to Zimbabwe give a clear picture of our strategy. I believe in replacements for Zimbabwean exports, so we do not miss the departures that much. We know Scottland are a very good team with experienced players like Walter Musona and Khama Billiat, alongside a consistent goalkeeper and solid defence. But we are coming here to give ourselves an opportunity to progress.”
Nsingizini Captain Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Dlamini, on the other hand, echoed his coach’s fearless stance, emphasising that the team are unbothered by the high-profile stars in the opposition ranks.
“We are not afraid of stars, including the Musona brothers, having watched them on television,” Dlamini declared.
Meanwhile, Scottland FC Head Coach Norman Mapeza confirmed his technical team has monitored the Eswatini representatives, targeting a decisive outcome on home soil.
“We have been monitoring them. Nsingizini are a quality side, but we are ready for the game. We have to finish the job here and maximise on home ground advantage. Physically, we are in good condition,” Mapeza stated.
Scottland Captain Walter Musona reiterated the home side’s drive to build a advantage: “We are happy to compete. We have to come up with a positive result.”
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