Junior eyes E6.4m CAF payday in DRC

MBABANE – Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ Magagula is chasing a potential E6.4 million CAF payday with AS Maniema Union.

The Eswatini international midfielder joined the Democratic Republic of Congo giants in July on a three-year deal and has already made an encouraging start to life at his new club.

Magagula scored in Maniema Union’s 2-0 friendly victory over Gabonese side AS Manga Sport on August 25, providing an early glimpse of his attacking quality ahead of the new campaign.

The 31-year-old will now be part of Maniema’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign, with the Congolese giants entering the second preliminary round after receiving a bye.

Maniema will face Algerian side USM Alger, with the first leg scheduled for October 16-18 and the return leg set for October 23-25.

There is significant financial motivation, with a place in the group stage carrying a US$400 000 reward, which is approximately E6.4 million.

For Magagula, the challenge represents another opportunity to establish himself on the continental stage after previously facing Maniema during his Royal Leopard days.

He will now be attempting to help the Congolese side negotiate their way through the second preliminary round and move into the lucrative group phase.

Meanwhile, Eswatini’s other continental representatives have already completed their first-round campaigns.

Green Mamba bowed out of the CAF Confederation Cup after losing 4-0 on aggregate to Angolan giants CD Primeiro de Agosto. Primeiro de Agosto have advanced to face DC Virunga of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second preliminary round.

In the CAF Champions League, Nsingizini Hotspurs were eliminated by Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC, who progressed 1-0 on aggregate following Saturday’s goalless draw at Somhlolo National Stadium.

Scottland now face another Angolan heavyweight, Petro de Luanda, in the second preliminary round.

The continental exits of Green Mamba and Nsingizini leave Magagula as one of the Eswatini players still carrying the country’s interest into the next stage of the CAF club competitions.

With E6.4 million potentially awaiting group-stage participants, Magagula and Maniema have plenty at stake when their campaign resumes in October.