Nsingizini Hotspurs clinch Eswatini’s Ingwenyama Cup

Centre-forward Ayanda Gadlela’s extra-time goal earned Nsingizini Hotspurs a 1-0 victory over Eswatini league counterparts Green Mamba FC and with it, their first-ever Ingwenyama Cup on Sunday, 10 May 2026.

The two Eswatini MTN Premier League titans stretched each other to the limit in the national cup final with neither side able to find the back of the net in 90 minutes at Somholo Stadium.

The game inevitably descended into extra-time which saw Gadlela seizing the moment to score the priceless goal; a curling effort that Mamba FC goalkeeper Lindokuhle Manda could do nothing about.

The match was close to swinging back toward a dramatic equalizer when Green Mamba FC were awarded a crucial penalty, offering them a golden opportunity to return to the game. However, Nsingizini Hotspurs’ goalkeeper produced a decisive moment of brilliance, successfully saving the spot-kick to preserve his team’s advantage and deny Green Mamba a draw.

The first ever Ingwenyama Cup for Nsingizini Hotspurs guarantees them 2027 CAF Confederation Cup participation option if they don’t retain the league.

Goodwill messages work for Ghogi

It is the second silverware for former Orlando Pirates under-19 coach Mandla Qhogi who announced his arrival in the kingdom nation by guiding the MTN Premier League side to the 2024 title.

Ahead of the final, former Orlando Pirates coach Augusto Palacios and Bafana Bafana striker Mahau Nkota sent goodwill messages to Qhogi. Such message paid dividends with the Ingwenyama Cup now in the bag.

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

Second trophy for ex-Pirates man  

Winning the 2024 domestic league championship paved the way for Hotspurs’ maiden participation in the 2025-2026 CAF Champions League qualifying rounds.

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 2023 to pursue other coaching interests.

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