SOCCER – Nsingizini Hotspurs head coach Mandla Qhogi has warned that failure to properly align domestic football with CAF competitions could have serious consequences for Eswatini, including the possibility of CAF taking charge of the country’s league.
Qhogi issued the warning after Nsingizini were eliminated from the 8BET Trade Fair Cup by Young Buffaloes, losing 0-1 in their quarterfinal clash at Mavuso Sports Centre on Wednesday evening.
The champions are now preparing to travel to Zimbabwe for Sunday’s CAF Champions League first-leg encounter against Scottland FC in Harare, with Qhogi’s comments bringing the scheduling of domestic fixtures involving continental clubs into sharp focus.
Asked whether Wednesday’s defeat could affect their CAF campaign, Qhogi insisted the result itself would not have an impact, but suggested that the effects of the demanding schedule had already been felt.
“I do not think the result will have any effect, because the effect was done long time ago. You cannot have a CAF competition playing and you want to play a domestic tournament,” Qhogi said.
He then delivered a strong warning on the consequences of failing to conform to CAF requirements.
“Should we be a team that does not conform, the league can be in a serious problem, because CAF can take this serious and the league could be disbanded and take charge of the league,” he said.
CAF’s continental framework takes precedence when domestic scheduling conflicts with its club competitions, with the governing body protecting its commercial, broadcast and logistical commitments.
CAF has also rejected postponement requests from member associations where domestic or regional competitions conflict with its established calendar. Under CAF’s Club Licensing Regulations, national associations are required to maintain a properly structured and independently managed top-tier league. Persistent calendar mismanagement that prevents national competitions from being completed within the continental season window could ultimately have consequences for clubs seeking participation in CAF competitions.
Against that backdrop, Qhogi’s comments underline the importance of careful domestic scheduling for local clubs competing on the continent.
The coach, however, maintained that Nsingizini remained a work in progress and that the cup defeat would not derail their broader ambitions.
“We are a team that is still improving and I believe we have been doing very well. We are trying to improve local football and we will never stop the great job that we are doing,” he said.
Qhogi also praised the club’s new signings, saying their performances against Buffaloes justified the club’s scouting process.
“The new signings have done very well and we are happy with them. We scouted them because we knew what they possessed and whatever display they showed is very productive and we will continue,” he said.
Despite the cup setback, Qhogi ended on a defiant note, insisting Nsingizini would continue to grow as a club.
“We are a big club. This club is still going to do very well, no matter the haters. Nsingizini Club will continue to do well,” he said.
