BY VUYISWA MABILA
MBABANE – Fresh from their debut appearance in the CAF Champions League, Nsingizini Hotspurs FC return home stronger, prouder, and more determined to defend their MTN Premier League title.
The Eswatini champions saw their continental journey end on Sunday, October 26, 2025, after a 0–0 draw against Simba SC of Tanzania in the second leg — a result that confirmed their exit from Africa’s premier club competition. Their campaign had already been dented by a 3–0 loss to Simba SC in the first leg at Somhlolo National Stadium the previous week.
Despite the setback, the “Insingizi Yezulu” (Heavenly Hornbill) return home with their heads held high, having gained invaluable experience from their maiden CAF Champions League campaign. Their proud message — “Home Coming with Pride” — perfectly captures the team’s spirit: resilient, united, and ready to soar again in domestic competition.
Throughout their CAF adventure, Nsingizini Hotspurs showcased determination, discipline, and growth, representing Eswatini with dignity on the continental stage.
Team officials expressed optimism about the club’s future, saying the lessons learned will serve as a foundation for greater success at home.
Club Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sandile Ngobe described the CAF experience as a milestone that will shape the team’s next chapter.
“We take the lessons and we are going back home where we have to win the league again,” Ngobe said. “The team has grown in leaps and bounds, and I’m confident we’ll come back stronger next year. Our aim was to reach the group stages, and we now know what it takes to get there.”
Nsingizini began their CAF Champions League campaign on 21 September 2025, facing Simba Bhora FC from Zimbabwe in Francistown, Botswana, where they narrowly lost 1–0. They hosted the return leg on 28 September 2025 at Somhlolo National Stadium, winning 1–0 to level the aggregate score before triumphing 4–2 on penalties to advance.
This marked Nsingizini’s second appearance in a CAF competition, following their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup in August 2024, where they faced South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC. The Eswatini side lost both encounters — 0–3 and 0–5 — resulting in an 8–0 aggregate score, with both matches played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
As they shift focus back to domestic football, Nsingizini Hotspurs aim to build on their continental exposure and translate that experience into even stronger performances in the MTN Premier League of Eswatini.
Their CAF campaign may have ended, but their journey continues — one defined by growth, pride, and the unbreakable spirit of Insingizi Yezulu.
