Online Reporter
Noel Munzabwa in Eswatini
ZIMBABWE’S Total Energies Champions League representatives Simba Bhora are in Eswatini, ready for Sunday’s decisive preliminary round second-leg clash against Nsingizini Hotspurs at Somhlolo National Stadium.
After keeping the public and the media guessing for hours, the Shamva-based side finally crossed the Oshoek Border late Thursday afternoon, completing a draining road journey that took them from Gaborone in Botswana through Rustenburg and Mpumalanga in South Africa.
They arrived to a cool, drizzly Mbabane welcome and were quickly escorted by the Royal Eswatini Police Service to an undisclosed hotel along the Mbabane-Manzini corridor.
It remained unclear last night whether coach Joel Luphahla would push for a full training session or settle for light loosening to shake off the road fatigue.
Carrying a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Francistown, Botswana, the team looked upbeat, showing the confidence of a side determined to finish the job. Luphahla and his men are banking on that cushion while guarding against any slip-ups on Sunday.
The venue, named after King Sobhuza I, Somhlolo, the “Man of Wonders”, holds fond memories for Luphahla. He was part of the Warriors’ famous 5-0 victory over Eswatini there in 2004, when he set up the third goal. Defender Blessing Moyo is also no stranger to the ground, having featured in a 2-0 Young Warriors win in 2014 and a 2-2 draw with their age-mates later.
Before leaving Botswana, midfielder Never Tigere reminded everyone that nothing has been won yet.
“Work is not yet complete, and we are still training hard focusing on the second leg,” said Tigere.
“We appeal to the fans who make it to the stadium on Sunday to play their part. For us we want to soldier on until we win this game.”
Back home, supporters are expected to follow proceedings with keen interest, hoping Simba Bhora can extend Zimbabwe’s presence in Africa’s premier club competition.
Meanwhile, Nsingizini Hotspurs have sparked debate with a record Eswatini gate charge of 80 Emalangeni (about US$5). Normally, spectators pay 60 Emalangeni for a triple header, 50 for a double header or 30 for a single match. What inspired this sudden hike remains unclear, but it underlines the magnitude of Sunday’s showdown.
Bongani Moyo