Nkota and Palacio send ex-Orlando Pirates coach goodwill messages

Two Orlando Pirates FC top figures have sent goodwill messages to one their own—Mandla Qhogi who is now in charge of Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs FC.

Former Buccaneers coach Augusto Palacio and Bafana Bafana forward Mohau Nkota have wished the former Pirates’ youth team trainer well ahead of the Ingwenyama Cup final on Sunday 10 May 2026.

The Eswatini’s MTN Premier League champions will line up against Green Mambas FC in the final at Somholo Stadium. The match will kick off at 3:30pm Southern Africa Time.

What Palacio told Qhogi 

Palacio, who is credited with developing players and coaches at Pirates for over two decades, has sent Qhogi a pre-recorded video message.

The duo worked together at the Soweto giants with the Peruvian-born trainer being a mentor.

“I wish you all the best and good luck,” the 74-year-old said. “[With the] team you took to the top of the league and now the cup final, keep the commitment, discipline and knowledge that you started when you arrived in Nsingizini in Eswatini. I know you will lift the trophy. Remember, it is always important to work hard as you are doing. All the best again.”

Qhogi served as strikers’ coach under Palacio in the 2012 and 2013 season when the Soweto giants won the PSL title.

Nkota to his former Pirates coach

The Saudi Arabia-based Bafana Bafana star Nkota also followed suit in wishing the former Pirates under-19 coach.

“Hello Nsingizini FC. I just want to wish you all the best of good luck in tomorrow’s final. Bring it home,” the former Buccaneers’ star said on Saturday.

The ex-Pirates under-19 trainer is making his mark in neighbouring Eswatini, steering Nsingizini Hotspurs to the 2024 MTN Premier League title.

Winning the domestic league championship paved the way for Hotspurs’ maiden participation in the 2025-2026 CAF Champions League qualifying rounds.

Impact of Qhogi at Pirates

Qhogi spent 18 years in the youth team structures of the Betway Premiership side and also managed the reserve side also called DStv Diski Challenge team.

The man, who groomed Zakhele Lepasa, Relebohile Mofokeng and Lyle Foster left Pirates in 2024 at the end of his contract.

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