Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs FC have launched an official protest with
the Confederation of African Football (CAF), alleging that the head coach of
their opponents, Simba SC, was not properly qualified for their CAF
Champions League preliminary round tie.
The Tanzanian giants won the two-legged fixture 3-0 on aggregate to advance,
but Nsingizini are now appealing to be reinstated into the competition.
The Core of the Allegation
In a formal complaint, Nsingizini claim that Simba SC’s head coach, Pantev
Dimitar Nikolaev, does not possess the mandatory CAF A License, CAF Pro
License, or an equivalent qualification required to sit on the bench for CAF
inter-club matches.
The Eswatini club accuses Simba of deliberately circumventing CAF
regulations by listing Nikolaev as a “Team Manager” on the official match
sheets for both legs, while he allegedly performed all the duties of the
head coach.
A “Trick” to Dodge the System?
Nsingizini’s complaint to CAF elaborates on what they call “tricks to dodge
the system.” They point to further alleged irregularities in Simba’s
technical team:
- Ineligible Staff: They state that another official, Seleman Abdallan
Matola, was seen in the grandstand because he “did not have the
necessary documents to sit on the bench.” - Use of Outside Coaches: The complaint also notes that two other
registered staff members, Darian Oliveria Goncalves Wilken and Wayne
Sandilands, are currently employed by Raja Athletic Club (Casablanca)
and are “no longer with the team.”
Nsingizini assert that despite their registered roles, both Nikolaev and
assistant coach Boyko Kamaenov Simeonov were actively “involved in coaching”
during both matches.
The Stakes
The club has called on CAF to launch a full investigation into the matter.
If the allegations are proven true, Simba SC could face severe sanctions,
including potential disqualification from the competition, which would see
Nsingizini Hotspurs take their place in the next round.
CAF has yet to make a public statement regarding the complaint.
