Tricky CAF draw for Nsingizini, Leopard

By Sibusiso Masilela

Local envoys Nsingizini Hotspurs and Royal Leopards have been handed tricky CAF draws in the 2025 CAF interclub competitions.

Nsingizini will take on the Zimbabwean side Simba Bhora in the prestigious CAF Champions League preliminary round between September 19 and 24, 2025.

Meanwhile, Leopards will face the Namibian side Young Africans in the Confederation Cup following the draw of the two competitions conducted on Saturday in Tanzania.

Nsingizini recently signed four international players, Jimoh Adeleka (Nigeria), Joel Madonda (Uganda), Njabulo Macina (South Africa), and Kingsley Kwakyi (Ghana).

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This is after the Shiselweni-based side parted ways with some international players, such as Pius Baffour, Alvin Shabashie (Both Ghanaians), and Reagen Kangumbi (DR Congo).

Nsingizini recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Mozambique-based side Black Bull. The new partnership includes the exchange of programs, player transfers, coaching programs, and commercial partnerships, among others.

The two sides were also involved in an international friendly match against their Mozambique counterpart, which finished 1-0 in favour of the Maputo-based side. The Mandla Thlogi-led side also has a standing partnership with the Betway premiership side Amazulu FC.

The team recently strengthened its technical bench with South African coaches as assistants to newly appointed head Mandla Thlogi.

The new members of the technical bench include Tebogo Modise (performance Analyst) and Nhlanhla Hlongwa (assistant coach).

‘Insingizi yezulu’ have played a series of international preseason matches against three South African sides, Amatuks, Sekhukhune FC, and Mamelodi Sundowns.

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The Derrick Shiba-owned side featured in the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup against Stellenbosch FC under the tutelage of Zimbabwean coach Alexio Sergion and lost 8-1 on aggregate.

Meanwhile, Leopards have reportedly concluded the signing of former Mbabane Swallows and Polokwane City striker Mohhamed Anas.
The Ingwenyama cup champions last reached the group stages of the same competition in 2022 under the guidance of Matsebula.
Thlogi and Matsebula could not comment on the draw when compiling this report.

The two teams will earn E1.7 million participation fees from CAF and they are both technically sponsored by Primo.