Football

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

LOBAMBA – Nsingizini Hotspurs coach, South African tactician Mandla Qhogi, has confidently declared war on their Zimbabwean opponents, Simba Bhora, ahead of today’s make-or-break CAF Champions League encounter.

The decisive TotalEnergies CAF Champions League first preliminary round, second leg tie kicks off at 3pm today at the Somhlolo National Stadium. Following years under a ban, the Eswatini national venue has been granted temporary approval to host international fixtures, with tickets set at a record E80 for general entry.

Nsingizini go into the clash needing to overturn a narrow 1-0 defeat suffered courtesy of Ishmael Nyanhi’s solitary goal last Sunday in Francistown, Botswana. Progressing is financially lucrative: Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has already guaranteed participating clubs approximately E1 million just for reaching this first stage.

“Simba Bhora are known to us now. We are well aware of their strengths and weaknesses,” Qhogi told the media at a pre-match press conference yesterday. “We are more determined to win at home. I have hope we can turn the tide in this match, as we look forward to advancing to the next stage.”

Qhogi hinted at significant tactical shifts, confirming he will introduce three changes to the starting line-up, which he promised would include more experienced players.

“I have a complete squad heading into this match. I think some players were drained after playing for the national team. We have trained with them for two weeks now and believe they are ready to fight,” he added.

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Nsingizini Hotspurs winger Thubelihle Mavuso controls the ball, leaving Butholezwe Ncube of Simba Bhora sprawled on the turf. This was during the first leg of the CAF Champions League encounter. (Pic: Facebook/Nsingizini Hotspurs FC)

Simba Bhora held a training session yesterday in preparation for the CAF Champions League match against Nsingizini Hotspurs at Somhlolo National Stadium.