LOBAMBA - Nsingizini Hotspurs President Derrick Shiba has boldly declared that his team’s fate in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League will be decided on Sunday.
The Shiselweni-based side, under the guidance of South African tactician Mandla Qhogi, are set to host Tanzanian giants Simba SC on October before heading to Dar es Salaam a weekend later for the second leg of the second and final preliminary round. The aggregate winner of this tie will secure a coveted spot in the group stage.
The club confirmed on its official page that spectators can watch the home fixture at Somhlolo National Stadium for E80.
Shiba stressed the importance of their home performance. “Performing exceptionally well at home is very important. Our first match will be played at Somhlolo National Stadium and that is the final for us. It is crucial for us to win and lead at home because what happens in Tanzania will be a function of the result achieved during the first tie,” he said.
The ambitious Shiselweni club are also exploring the possibility of flying their supporters to Tanzania for the return leg.
Nsingizini’s squad has been significantly bolstered by the return of the midfield trio of Thubelihle Mavuso, Sizwe Khumalo and Neliswa Dlamini, who were all withdrawn from the Sihlangu (Eswatini national team) squad.
In a crucial tune-up for the continental clash, Nsingizini faced Mozambican outfit Black Bulls in a friendly match this past Saturday, securing a 2-1 victory. Forward Ayanda Gadlela and midfielder Sizwe Khumalo were both on the score sheet.
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Nsingizini Hotspurs boss Derrick Shiba. (Pic: Facebook/Nsingizini Hotspurs FC)