MBABANE – The ambition of Nsingizini Hotspurs to make a significant mark on the African stage has prompted head coach Mandla Qhogi to make a weighty appeal.
The club will formally request that the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) grant an exemption to its players from the upcoming preparatory national team match against Cape Verde next Monday.
Qhogi was quick to underscore that the request is borne of strategic necessity, not disrespect for the national colours. The coach is prioritising the limited preparation time available for the club’s pivotal TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup clash.
“This is no disrespect to the national team, but we are going to request the players from the EFA and see what can be done,” Qhogi stated. “If they do not grant our wish, we will accept that. We just need them because we will have very little time to prepare together as a team.”
The coach highlighted the logistical challenge, noting that should the players attend the national camp, the Hotspurs squad would be left with a mere two days to train as a full unit before their match.
Nsingizini Hotspurs are set to commence their high-stakes “international assignment” against Tanzanian giants, Simba SC.
The first leg of this CAF Confederation Cup preliminary tie is scheduled for home ground on October 17, followed by the return leg on October 24.
Having already advanced past Zimbabwe’s Simba Bhora, the club’s successful run is viewed as a source of national football pride. Qhogi expressed immense confidence in his squad, framing the call-ups themselves as evidence of the club’s positive trajectory. “It is commendable that so many of our players have made the national team.
“This game has given us a clear picture of where we need to improve. I have so much faith in my players, and I have no doubt that we’ll perform well in the international assignment, which means so much to us,” he concluded, stressing the national importance of a strong showing on the continent.
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