Let’s conquer AS Maniema – Natcom tells Leopard

By Sibusiso Masilela

Royal Leopard president Vusi Manoma Masango has implored the team to make the country proud by advancing to the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The president said this ahead of the second preliminary round clash against the Congolese side on Saturday at Somhlolo National Stadium.
“I am confident that the team will do well in the return leg by using the home ground advantage to advance to the next round.

We believe the boys will do the job inside the field of play,” he said.

“I won’t sit on the bench during the return leg due to suspension. I have faith in my technical bench that they will do the job diligently in my absence,” he said.

The Ingwenyama Cup champions need a goalless draw to advance to the group stages following the 1-all draw during the first leg encounter.
The police side stands to pocket over E7 million if they reach the group stages of the continent’s second premier club competition.

They last achieved the same feat during the 2022 edition.

Leopard will be without the services of head coach Edwin Matsebula during the return leg as he will be serving a one match suspension.

The former National Under 17 mentor is serving a one-match suspension following his red card during the first leg match played on October 18,2025, in Kinshasa.

Leopard knocked out Namibian side Young African in the preliminary round.

The blue and white have further sealed a three-year technical sponsorship deal with Italian sportswear company Primo.

The sponsorship includes three sets of kits, tracksuits, bibs and replica kits for supporters.

‘Ingwemabalabala’ has become the fifth local side to partner with Primo after Nsingizini Hotspurs, Mbabane Swallows, Young Buffaloes, and Ubombo Sugar.