Defending league non-negotiable – Nsingizini president

MBABANE – League leaders Nsingizini Hotspurs have issued a defiant rallying cry.

 Club President Derrick Shiba insists that retaining the MTN Premier League title is the only acceptable outcome for the current campaign. Reflecting on a trophy-laden 2025, Shiba pivoted quickly to the future, outlining an ambitious mandate to establish the club as a continental force. This will be through securing a place in the group stages of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League – a feat they narrowly missed out on this term following a hard-fought exit at the hands of Tanzania’s Simba SC.

“As we reach the midway point of the season, our message remains clear and unwavering,” Shiba stated. “Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stages. To achieve that, defending our league title is non-negotiable.”

The president’s comments come on the heels of a remarkable calendar year that saw Hotspurs firmly shift the power dynamics of local football.

The club’s 2025 highlights include clinching the league title in May, followed by 8Bet Trade Fair Cup glory in September. Beyond the pitch, the club made waves by launching a dedicated magazine show on SuperSport, a move Shiba views as vital for modern sustainability.

“In the modern professional game, gate receipts alone are no longer enough to sustain a competitive elite club,” Shiba explained. “Television and media exposure provide the consistent, high-level value that sponsors demand, making football an attractive proposition for serious investment.”

Closing his address, Shiba paid tribute to the club’s sponsors, partners and the ‘Insingizi Yezulu’ faithful, thanking the supporters for their unwavering loyalty throughout a historic year.