Nsingizini Hotspurs, a Shiselweni-based football club, made history at the 2025/26 Ingwenyama Cup Awards Gala Dinner held at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre. The team swept the boards, claiming their well-deserved E1.45 million first-place cheque after a historic campaign. The tournament was sponsored by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) to the tune of E5 million.
Senzo 'Mbhobho' Ndlovu, a prolific forward for Nsingizini Hotspurs, was crowned Player of the Tournament. He etched his name into local football folklore with his impressive performance, scoring four crucial goals throughout the tournament. Ndlovu pocketed E15 000 for his efforts, edging out his teammates Nkosingiphile 'Skomota' Shongwe and Yekisizwe Khumalo.
The Ingwenyama Cup saw Nsingizini Hotspurs establish total dominance across the men’s categories. Sibusiso 'Baraba' Dlamini was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament after a series of agile, acrobatic displays between the posts. Mandla Qhogi, the team’s tactician, outclassed formidable rivals to clinch the Coach of the Tournament award, taking home E10 000.
Mnotfo Dlamini, the club’s vibrant spokesperson, was named the best Public Relations Officer (PRO) ahead of Green Mamba’s Ntuthuko Dlamini and Thamie Cebe of Manzini Sea Birds, walking away with E6 000. Earlier this year, Mnotfo emerged as the outstanding spokesperson in the league. The awards ceremony was a celebration of heritage, with rich Eswatini culture on full display.
The women’s division delivered its own share of brilliance, with Thulisile Thring of champions Young Buffaloes Ladies emerging as the tournament’s standout player, walking away with E2 000 alongside teammate Gcinile Dlamini. Mbabane Swallows Ladies’ Banele Dlamini was similarly rewarded, her unmatched four-goal tally earning her the E1 000 top goalscorer prize.
His Majesty King Mswati III presented Nsingizini Hotspurs striker Senzo 'Mbhobho' Ndlovu with the replica cheque for Player of the Tournament. The event was attended by cabinet ministers, football administrators, and high-profile guests. The tournament’s success was a testament to the growth of football in Eswatini.
The Ingwenyama Cup Awards Gala Dinner was a memorable night for Nsingizini Hotspurs, with the team’s impressive performance earning them numerous accolades. The club’s dominance was evident in the men’s categories, with their players taking home several awards. The women’s division also shone, with Young Buffaloes Ladies and Mbabane Swallows Ladies earning recognition for their outstanding performances.
Key points
- Nsingizini Hotspurs won the 2025/26 Ingwenyama Cup, claiming the E1.45 million first-place cheque.
- Senzo 'Mbhobho' Ndlovu was crowned Player of the Tournament, scoring four crucial goals and pocketing E15 000.
- The tournament was sponsored by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) to the tune of E5 million.
