Johannesburg — Nsingizini Hotspurs FC, the 2024-2025 MTN Premier League champions, are back home for pre-season friendlies ahead of the new campaign. The club clinched their first-ever league title last season under the guidance of interim coach Simon Phiri Ngomane from South Africa.
For the upcoming season, Hotspurs appointed Mandla Qhogi, former Orlando Pirates DDC team coach, to lead the team. The squad recently faced Sekhukhune United in Benoni, South Africa, and are set to play Mamelodi Sundowns in Rustenburg tomorrow.
The club’s CEO Banele Ngobe, Sports Director Neliswa Dlamini, and interim coach Simon Ngomane spoke live on SABC News on Friday, 25 July 2025, sharing insights on the club’s rapid rise and ambitions.
Founded in 1984, Hotspurs have spent the last seven years professionalizing their setup, quickly becoming a competitive force in Eswatini football. This past season marked their third in the top flight, where they not only won the league but also secured two consecutive Momo Cup titles.
Ngomane described the club’s success as the result of a clear playing philosophy and strong focus on effort over outcomes. He praised the youthful squad’s talent and attitude, confident they could make an impact in the CAF Champions League.
The team’s captain reflected on the experience gained during last year’s CAF Confederation Cup, which fuels their hunger to perform better on the continental stage this season.
Ngobe explained that the club is investing heavily in player development and sees these friendlies against strong South African sides as crucial preparation. Facing top teams like Sundowns, recently back from the FIFA Club World Cup, provides the squad with a benchmark for their continental ambitions.
Neliswa Dlamini stressed the importance of structured development in Eswatini football, noting that while talent has always been abundant, gaps in youth development and resources have limited progress. However, renewed investment in school sports and local leagues is helping to rebuild the pipeline of players capable of competing internationally.
The club aims to defend their local title, win another major cup, and reach the CAF Champions League group stages. This ambition is backed by a unified technical team and management focused on steady growth through continuous learning and improvement.
Watch the interview below
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