Qhogi Adds Second Trophy To Growing Eswatini Success Story

Former Orlando Pirates youth coach Mandla Qhogi continues to enhance his growing reputation in Eswatini after guiding Nsingizini Hotspurs to their first-ever Ingwenyama Cup triumph on Sunday.

The former Buccaneers development mentor celebrated his second piece of silverware in the neighbouring kingdom as Hotspurs edged fellow Eswatini giants Green Mamba FC 1-0 after extra-time in a tense cup final played at Somholo Stadium.

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It took a moment of quality from centre-forward Ayanda Gadlela to separate the two sides after 90 minutes failed to produce a breakthrough.

Gadlela rose to the occasion in extra-time with a curling strike that left Green Mamba goalkeeper Lindokuhle Manda with no chance, handing Hotspurs a historic victory.

The drama was far from over, though, as Green Mamba were later awarded a crucial penalty that could have forced the match back level.

However, Nsingizini’s goalkeeper emerged as the hero, producing a decisive save to preserve the narrow advantage and secure the club’s maiden Ingwenyama Cup crown.

For Qhogi, the latest success further underlines the impressive impact he has made since leaving Pirates in 2023 to pursue senior coaching opportunities.

After spending 18 years within the Soweto giants’ development structures, including spells in charge of the reserve side in the DStv Diski Challenge, the coach has quickly established himself as one of the rising tacticians in the region.

Qhogi first announced himself in Eswatini by steering Hotspurs to the MTN Premier League title, a triumph that also secured the club’s maiden participation in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League qualifying rounds.

This season, the team remains firmly in contention at the top of the league standings while now adding the prestigious Ingwenyama Cup to their growing list of achievements.

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Qhogi’s success story is also a reflection of the strong developmental work he carried out during his lengthy stay at Pirates, where he played a role in nurturing talents such as Lyle Foster and Relebohile Mofokeng.

Now making waves beyond South Africa’s borders, the former Pirates mentor is steadily building a legacy of his own in Eswatini football.