Eswatini’s reigning champions Royal Leopard have sent an R700k SOS, calling on the corporate world to assist them financially as they aim to conquer Africa.
Leopards are Eswatini’s representatives in the CAF Champions League and will need R700 000 for the second preliminary round.
With all odds stacked against them, Leopard made it beyond the preliminary first round when they beat Madagascar’s CFFA 5-3 on aggregate.
Their progress in the competition saw ‘Ingwemabalabala’ set up a clash with Cameroon’s Coton Sport.
The two lock horns at the Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday before meeting a week later for the return leg.
Leopard CEO Frank Hurube said they were gunning for a place in the group stage of the continent’s premier club competition.
FUNDS NEEDED
However, he added that the exercise would require hundreds of thousands, which they could not afford.
The club is, therefore, inviting companies that would be keen to assist them to meet the costs.
“We are looking for money. We need to pay for their [Coton Sport] hotel, PCR, and visas, and it becomes expensive. We know they’ll do the same.
“There are tickets and allowances to be paid when we travel for the second leg in Madagascar. We’re asking for money. The club relies on supporters, but they can only do so much.
“We’re grateful to the federation thus far, and we’re inviting other companies and individuals willing to assist,” he told FARPost.
The trip to Madagascar cost them R560 000, and indications are that the visit to Garua, a port city in northern Cameroon, will cost them close to R700000.
“The preparations are looking okay. Everything is going smooth,” he said. Regarding match fitness, he said it helped that most of their players are part of the national team as they had played a few games.
