MBABANE – As excitement builds for the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair, a looming fixture headache could leave the PLE with a decision to make.
The office could face a scheduling dilemma later this year after the TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the calendar for its 2026/27 interclub competitions, with the first preliminary round overlapping with the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup.
The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) is scheduled to run from August 28 to September 6 at the Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre in Manzini, with the popular 8Bet Trade Fair Cup expected to be staged during the same period.
ary round of both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup between September 4 and 13, creating the possibility of a direct clash for Eswatini’s representatives. This is as per the official 2026 CAF Competitions calendar.
The situation could become complicated should either Insingizi Yezulu or Inyok’eluhlazane be drawn to play their opening continental fixture away from home. In such a scenario, the clubs would be required to travel several days before their CAF matches, potentially forcing them to leave the Trade Fair Cup before the tournament reaches its conclusion. However, if they start playing home then it would not be much of an issue as hosting clubs hold the power to decide on dates as long as they fall within the stipulated period. The draw is reportedly slated for the first week of August.
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Nsingizini captain Wenzile Lushaba in a fierce fight for the ball with Green Mamba's Neliswa Nkambule during a league match. (Pic:Nimrod Hlophe)