NSINGIZINI HOTSPURS LADIES TARGET CONTINENTAL GLORY

Eswatini Women’s Football League champions Nsingizini Hotspurs FC are set to embark on a historic journey as they depart for Botswana to represent the country at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifier, with the team determined to make a strong statement on their regional debut.

The tournament will take place in Gaborone from 20 to 29 August 2026, bringing together eight of Southern Africa’s leading women’s clubs in the battle for the region’s sole ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League continental finals.

Nsingizini earned their place in the prestigious competition after being crowned the EFA Women’s Football League champions, securing the opportunity to represent Eswatini on the regional stage.

The Shiselweni-based side has been drawn in Group B, alongside two-time CAF Women’s Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. of South Africa, experienced Mozambican outfit Costa do Sol F.C., and Malawi champions Silver Strikers F.C.

For Nsingizini, the campaign represents more than a competition. It is an opportunity to showcase the growth of women’s football in Eswatini and demonstrate that the country’s domestic champions can compete against some of the region’s established forces.

Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Mr Peter Simelane has rallied the players and technical team ahead of their departure, congratulating Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C. for earning the opportunity to carry the national flag on the regional stage.

President Simelane urged the team to remain focused, disciplined and united throughout the competition.

“You carry more than the colours of Nsingizini Hotspurs; you carry the hopes and aspirations of Eswatini. Go to Botswana, compete with confidence, represent our country with pride and give your very best in every match.”

The EFA President further emphasised that the team’s participation is an important milestone for the continued development and visibility of women’s football in Eswatini.

“Nsingizini have earned this opportunity through their hard work and success domestically. We believe they have what it takes to represent Eswatini with distinction. The entire football family is behind them, and we encourage them to embrace the challenge and enjoy the experience,” said Simelane.

Head Coach Mpendulo Mawelela says the team has prepared with a clear understanding of the demands of competing at international level and is ready to test itself against some of the best women’s football clubs within the COSAFA Region.

Mawelela acknowledged the difficulty of Group B but insisted that the team would approach every match with belief and determination.

“We are ready for the challenge. We know that we have been placed in a very competitive group, but this is exactly the level of competition we wanted to experience. The preparations have given us an opportunity to work on our tactical organisation, physical conditioning and mentality, and the players are looking forward to the challenge.”

The coach said the team’s immediate objective is to progress from the group stage, while the ultimate ambition is to go all the way and secure Eswatini’s place at the continental finals.

“Our main goal is to compete for a place in the semi-finals and then give ourselves an opportunity to fight for the tournament. We are not travelling to Botswana simply to participate. We want to compete, we want to progress and, ultimately, we want to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.”

Mawelela added that facing high-profile opposition such as Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. would provide the players with an invaluable opportunity to measure themselves against one of the region’s most successful women’s clubs.

“We respect every opponent, but we will not be intimidated by reputations. The players must believe in themselves, stick to our game plan and fight for every ball. If we remain disciplined and united, we can compete,” he said.

Team captain Nomfundo Bhembe says the players are fully aware of the responsibility that comes with representing Eswatini and are determined to make the country proud.

For Bhembe, the tournament is an opportunity for the team to demonstrate the quality, character and potential of women’s football in Eswatini.

“We are excited and proud to represent Eswatini. We know that the competition will be difficult, but we have worked hard for this opportunity. As players, we are ready to give everything for the badge and for our country.”

The captain also called for unity within the squad as the team prepares to face three different footballing cultures in Group B.

“Our strength will come from being together as a team. We have to trust each other, listen to the coaches and fight for one another. Every player understands the responsibility we have, and we are going to Botswana determined to make our families, our club and the people of Eswatini proud.”

Team Manager Sonnyboy Mabuza says the Nsingizini Hotspurs camp is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with representing Eswatini in a competition of this magnitude.

Mabuza said the management team has worked closely with the technical team and players to ensure that the squad is properly prepared, focused and equipped to deal with the demands of the tournament.

“This is a very important moment for Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C. and for women’s football in Eswatini. We are taking the responsibility very seriously because we know that when we go to Botswana, we are not only representing our club but also carrying the name and pride of our country.”

The Team Manager said the team’s preparations have been centred on creating an environment that allows the players and technical team to concentrate fully on the task ahead.

“Our responsibility as management is to make sure that the players and technical team have the support they need to focus on football. We have prepared for this journey knowing that the competition will be demanding, but there is a strong sense of unity within the camp. Everyone understands the objective, and we are confident that the team will give a good account of itself.”

Mabuza also called on supporters and the wider football fraternity to rally behind the champions as they take their first steps on the international stage.

“We appeal to the people of Eswatini to stand behind these young women. Their success will be a reflection of the support they receive from home. We want them to know that the nation is behind them and that we believe in their ability to compete at this level.”

Nsingizini will begin their campaign on Friday, 21 August, when they face Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies at 15:00. COSAFA has confirmed that this will be Nsingizini’s tournament debut, while Sundowns enter the competition as two-time regional champions.

The Eswatini champions will then face Costa do Sol of Mozambique on Sunday, 23 August at 12:00, before completing their group-stage campaign against Silver Strikers of Malawi on Tuesday, 25 August at 12:00.

Nsingizini Hotspurs FC – Group B Fixtures

• 21 August 2026: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies vs Nsingizini Hotspurs — 15:00
• 23 August 2026: Nsingizini Hotspurs vs Costa do Sol — 12:00
• 25 August 2026: Silver Strikers vs Nsingizini Hotspurs — 12:00

The top two teams in Group B will progress to the semi-finals on 27 August, with the tournament final scheduled for 29 August. The winner will secure the COSAFA region’s place at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.

As Nsingizini Hotspurs prepare to make their international debut, the EFA has called on the football fraternity and supporters across the country to rally behind the champions.

Their journey represents another important chapter in the development of women’s football in Eswatini, while providing a platform for the players to gain valuable international experience and showcase the country’s growing football talent.

With determination in the camp, a clear objective from the technical team, strong leadership from the management and the backing of the nation, Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C. head to Botswana carrying the hopes of Eswatini.