MBABANE – Nsingizini Hotspurs find themselves between a rock and a hard place as they try to navigate their schedule ahead of the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup 2025.
The annual tournament is scheduled for next Saturday, where Hotspurs are due to cross swords with Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, in the second semi-final at Prince Mangosuthu Stadium in Ulundi, South Africa (SA). Meanwhile, defending champions Njampela FC from Durban will begin their title defence against Amazulu.
The tournament was initially planned for the previous FIFA men’s break but was postponed to the upcoming break, starting on Monday. This change has brought a new challenge for ‘Insingizi YeZulu’, with their participation now looking uncertain.
This is allegedly because of the twist of events in the Premier League of Eswatini’s (PLE) schedule. PLE has announced that the MTN Premier League will not take a break yet according to the master fixture, they were to observe the FIFA break. Football Manager Banele ‘Dingz’ Masondo confirmed that league games will go ahead during the break.
At the time of finalising this report, the official fixtures were yet to be released as he said his office was still working on it. However, Hotspurs’ week six opponents are expected to be Malanti Chiefs in an away fixture, which makes a request for postponement tricky.
As per the PLE Rules and Regulations, only the host team can request to reschedule its fixture.
Furthermore, Mandla Qhogi’s charges are also due to visit rookies Tabankulu Celtics on Wednesday for their week three pending fixture. This clash was postponed due to their recent TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League commitments.
As per the current season’s rules, clubs must write to the PLE and request permission to play friendly matches, with seven days’ notice required for international games.
Article 30.6 of the rules also states that the PLE may refuse permission if the friendly match is deemed to interfere with the league programme or its marketing.
Reached for comment, Hotspurs’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Banele Ngobe, said they were still waiting for feedback on their application.
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The annual tournament is scheduled for next Saturday, where Hotspurs are due to cross swords with Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, in the second semi-final at Prince Mangosuthu Stadium in Ulundi, South Africa (SA).