(At EFA Sigwaca House)
MBABANE – With continental football riches and prestige beckoning, Eswatini’s representatives have officially committed to flying the national flag on Africa’s biggest club stage.
MTN Premier League champions Nsingizini Hotspurs and Ingwenyama Cup runners-up Green Mamba have confirmed their participation in next season’s CAF interclub competitions.
Yesterday marked the official deadline for clubs to notify the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) of their intentions regarding continental participation.
Nsingizini, who completed a remarkable domestic double after retaining the league title and defeating Green Mamba 1-0 in the Ingwenyama Cup final sponsored by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF), will represent the country in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
Their dominance on the domestic front subsequently opened the door for Green Mamba to secure Eswatini’s CAF Confederation Cup slot as cup runners-up.
EFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Mngomezulu moved swiftly to clarify the qualification process amid growing debate surrounding the Confederation Cup representative.
“One club has been fortunate enough to win all competitions that qualify teams for Africa,” said Mngomezulu.
“We are aware that the same club has opted to participate in the CAF Champions League. Following CAF regulations, the runners-up of the cup competition automatically qualify for the Confederation Cup. This settles any uncertainty regarding Eswatini’s representative.”
Green Mamba CEO Ntuthuko Dlamini confirmed that the club had formally accepted participation in the competition.
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EFA CEO Frederick Mngomezulu during the press conference yesterday. (Pic: Sanele Jele)