MBABANE – “We are mentally and physically ready for the match against Nsingizini Hotspurs.”
These were the words of Moses Shidolo, according to Zimpapers Sports Hub, as Zimbabwean champions Scottland arrived in the country carrying a slender 1-0 lead for tomorrow’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions League preliminary round second leg at the Somhlolo National Stadium.
Carrying their advantage from the first leg in Harare, where Cameroonian striker Neville Tengeg scored from an Emmanuel Jalai assist, the visitors know a clean sheet secures their progression. Even if they concede twice, an away goal would keep them ahead on the away goals rule.
According to the report, Scottland boast the tightest defence in their domestic Premiership, having conceded just ten goals all season to comfortably outperform the second-best defensive side Hardrock, which has leaked 19.
“To ensure maximum focus and proper acclimatisation, the squad spent three days in a Johannesburg training camp before arriving in Eswatini yesterday afternoon,” reads part of the report.
Midfielder Shidolo, whose partnership with Abubakar Moffat at the base of the midfield stifled Nsingizini last weekend, told the Zimpapers Sports Hub that the team is ready for the challenge.
“So far so good, the camp has been good,” Shidolo said. “To be honest, I think it’s about mentality and we are fully prepared physically and mentally. As a team we are ready.”
Club owner Scott Sakupwanya has arranged at least ten buses for fans wanting to travel and cheer for the team, while hundreds of supporters are expected to make the trip. Shidolo has also called on supporters remaining at home to keep the team in their prayers.
“Support us from home big time and just keep us in your prayers,” Shidolo told the Zimpapers Sports Hub. “We will do the job for you guys and the badge.”
The MTN Premier League back-to-back champions Nsingizini Hotspurs Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sibusiso ‘Mnotfo’ Dlamini said they are equally ready for Scottland, as they are looking beyond this match.
“Our goal is to reach the group stages,” Dlamini said.
He further urged the football fraternity to come in numbers to rally behind the team as they are now representing the country. The match is penned to kick off at 3pm at the Somhlolo National Stadium.
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