Online Reporter
Noel Munzabwa in Simunye, Eswatini
WHEN CAF paired Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs Football Club against Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, it revived memories of a relationship that has grown well beyond the football pitch.
The two-legged tie threatens to test the growing bond between the two ambitious and well-resourced clubs, drawing a thin line between friendship and rivalry. Yet, beyond the 180 minutes in which they will become adversaries in September, many hope the relationship forged over the past year will endure.
For many Zimbabwean football followers, the fixture may appear to be just another contest between the champions of Zimbabwe and Eswatini, similar to last season when the Shiselweni Region outfit eliminated Simba Bhora at the same stage of the competition.
Historically, however, it adds another chapter to the continental football rivalry between the two Cosafa nations, whose encounters date back several decades.
One of the most notable meetings came in 1985 when Mbabane Highlanders faced Zimbabwe’s
Black Rhinos in the first round of the African Cup of Champions Clubs. The Zimbabwean side progressed 4-1 on aggregate.
Just as Scottland find themselves today, Black Rhinos had earned continental qualification after winning their maiden top-flight league title, making the parallels difficult to ignore.
Tournament progression: Black Rhinos advanced to the second round of the 1985 competition following their victory over Mbabane Highlanders.
This is perhaps the kind of outcome Scottland owner and Mabvuku MP Pedzisayi “Scott” Sakupwanya would be hoping for as his side prepares for its maiden appearance on the continental stage. After all, football history often has a way of repeating itself.
Yet, when it comes to Nsingizini Hotspurs, what immediately stands out is the mutual admiration that has developed between the two clubs following a benchmarking and skills-exchange visit by
Nsingizini owner Derrick Shiba, accompanied by then chief executive officer Banele Ngobe and other club officials, to Mabvuku last year.
The visit took place before Nsingizini Hotspurs were drawn against Simba Bhora in the CAF Champions League, and the relationship that emerged is believed to have facilitated cooperation
between the two clubs.
It was during this period that Nsingizini coach Mandla Qhogi reportedly travelled to Zimbabwe on a scouting mission and watched Scottland’s goalless draw against Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi Stadium on September 13, 2025.
The cordial relations between the clubs also helped pave the way for Scottland’s successful move for Eswatini international Khethokwakhe Thwala before the two sides met in a friendly match earlier this year. That encounter, played at Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba on February 4, 2026, ended in a 2-0 victory for Nsingizini Hotspurs.
On that evening, Scottland failed to overcome the Eswatini MTN Premier League champions in what proved to be a competitive international friendly.
For Shiba, the result represented a memorable birthday gift as his team claimed another notable
Zimbabwean scalp. Only months earlier, Nsingizini had eliminated Simba Bhora from the
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
Not even sweeping changes at half-time could spare Scottland, as Yekisizwe Khumalo’s 58th-minute strike added to Daniel Okunrinmenta’s 19th-minute opener.
The match began at a high tempo, with both sides pressing aggressively, creating opportunities and forcing several early saves from the goalkeepers.
Nsingizini opened the scoring in the 19th minute through recent signing Okunrinmenta, who calmly finished off a square pass into the top corner for his second goal since joining the club.
Despite attempts to mount a comeback, the Norman Mapeza-coached side repeatedly found goalkeeper Sibusiso Dlamini in inspired form.
Mapeza responded by introducing a raft of changes, including experienced campaigners Knowledge Musona and Godknows Murwira, but Dlamini continued to frustrate the Zimbabwean champions.
As Scottland pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Nsingizini launched a counterattack that culminated in Khumalo doubling the lead in the 58th minute.
Four minutes later, Musona forced Dlamini into another save from about 20 metres, with the keeper tipping the effort away for a corner.
Although Scottland left without a positive result, Mapeza expressed satisfaction with the progress made during three weeks of pre-season preparations.
Former Nsingizini star and Eswatini international Thwala started for Scottland against his former club. As the two teams prepare to meet again in September, the friendship between them is likely to be set aside temporarily.
Nsingizini Hotspurs will enter the tie with a refreshed squad after recruiting at least five new players, securing a lucrative sponsorship agreement with Eswatini Breweries through the Sibebe brand and undertaking a pre-season training camp in South Africa that included several friendly matches.
Nsingizini Hotspurs public liaison and relations officer Mnotfo Dlamini says improving the club’s performance on the continental stage is among its key objectives this season.
Speaking during the Monday morning Sports Show on Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS 1), Mnotfo said preparations for the new campaign were well advanced and that the Eswatini Breweries sponsorship package had provided a significant morale boost.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in our preparations for the new season where we are targeting better performances especially in CAF. We hope to do well in the league and cup games Charity Cup, Ingwenyama Cup and CAF and fans have been told of our priorities during one of our supporters meeting held at the weekend,” said Dlamini.
Indications are that Nsingizini Hotspurs will arrange transport for supporters travelling to the first leg, which is scheduled to be played at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana. Supporters are expected to pay a package of just under US$200 (1 400 Emalangeni) per person.
Just this year, Insingizi yeZulu lost Thwala to Scottland, while Neliswa Dlamini, Sambulo Simelane, Yekisizwe Khumalo and Thubelihle Simelane moved to Hardrock. Two other players also departed for clubs in South Africa.
The Eswatini champions have strengthened their squad with the additions of Innocent Pakule, Mthobisi Zwane, Andile Motsa, Thulani Jingana and Siyabonga Mkhontfo, although the transfer window remains open and further additions are expected.
