SOCCER – Nsingizini Hotspurs head coach Mandla Qhogi has pledged that his side will not let the nation down when they face Tanzanian giants Simba SC in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, second leg, at Somhlolo National Stadium this afternoon.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference held yesterday at the Somhlolo Stadium Conference Room, Qhogi said the encounter was not only crucial for Nsingizini Hotspurs but also for the entire nation.
He stressed that his players understood the magnitude of the challenge and were determined to deliver a result that would bring pride to Eswatini.
“This match means a lot to us and the nation. We know how big Simba SC are, but we won’t let our fans or the nation down. We are determined to secure a victory and make sure we progress to the group stages,” he said.
Qhogi highlighted that teamwork and mental strength would be key to achieving success.
“It does not matter whether we play at home or away. What matters is that we work together. Our chances of reaching the group stages are close, and we must make sure we collect maximum points at home,” he added.
The coach also appealed to local football supporters to rally behind his team.
“We need support from all football fans in the country. Simba are an experienced side in CAF competitions, but we are ready to show them that Nsingizini can compete at this level. They have 11 players just like us — and that motivates us to give our best,” he said.
Qhogi further noted that strong club performances contribute significantly to the growth of the national team.
“It starts at club level if we want to have a strong national team,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nsingizini goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala expressed confidence ahead of the match, saying the team had prepared thoroughly and were ready for the challenge.
“It’s up to us now. We have trained hard and are ready to win. My national team experience has helped me a lot because the intensity there is higher, and I’m ready for that,” he said.
On the other hand, Simba SC defender Naby Camara said they were prepared for the clash, even though they did not know much about their opponents.
Simba SC head coach Patrick Aussems did not attend the press conference as he is serving a two-match suspension from CAF competitions.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW: NSINGIZINI, SIMBA SC SET FOR EXPLOSIVE CLASH
BY MELUSI MLOTSA
Nsingizini vs Simba SC
Somhlolo National Stadium, 3PM
SOCCER – The stage is set for a thrilling continental showdown this afternoon as Nsingizini Hotspurs welcome Tanzanian giants Simba SC to the Somhlolo National Stadium for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg encounter.
The Shiselweni-based outfit are just two games away from reaching the group stage and will be eager to capitalise on home advantage before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return leg at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium next Sunday.
Mandla Qhogi’s charges advanced to this stage after edging Zimbabwe’s Simba Bhora in a penalty shootout, setting up a mouth-watering tie against the Reds of Msimbazi, who eliminated Botswana’s Gaborone United.
Hotspurs head into the fixture in good spirits, having recently recorded a morale-boosting league victory over capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders.
Qhogi has no fresh injury concerns and will be further encouraged by the return of Khanyakwezwe Shabalala and Nkosingiphile Shongwe, both of whom were on national duty during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Supporters are urged to fill Somhlolo National Stadium, providing the crucial 12th-man advantage that could make all the difference in what promises to be a tough test.
However, standing in their way is a formidable Simba SC side determined to make amends for last season’s disappointment in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they failed to reach the final under then-coach Fadlu Davids.
Simba’s Team Manager, Patrick Rweyemamu, expressed confidence in their preparations ahead of the clash.
“It’s a tough match, but we are going there prepared for anything. The two friendly matches we played recently helped coach Dimitar Pantev assess the squad’s strengths,” he said.
The visitors will look to draw from the experience of Neo Maema and Rushine De Reuck, both of whom are familiar with the demands of continental football following their previous stints with South African heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns.
With passion, pride, and a place in Africa’s elite group stage at stake, this encounter promises fireworks in Lobamba this afternoon.
