Nsingizini Hotspurs: Champions of the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup, E630k richer

Nsingizini Hotspurs……(1)1

Quality 20th

Green Mamba……………(0) 0

MANZINI – Nsingizini Hotspurs have etched their name in glory, seizing victory at the 2025 8Bet Trade Fair Cup.

This is after a resolute 1-0 victory over Green Mamba, propelled by a masterful 20^th minute strike from Quality Dlamini.

The Shiselweni-based side claimed the coveted E630 000 prize, while Green Mamba, as runners-up, pocketed E320 000. 

A fervent crowd of over 4 000 spectators, including football dignitaries, government ministers and ardent supporters, filled the stands and created an electrifying atmosphere. Earlier in the day, Manzini Sea Birds had secured the bronze medal with a 2-1 win over Ubombo Sugar, earning them E90 000. 

Nsingizini Hotspurs nearly broke the deadlock early when Joel Madondo’s pinpoint cross was squandered by Mlungisi Hlatjwako in the 10^th minute. Five minutes later, Quality Dlamini’s ferocious volley was thwarted by Green Mamba’s stalwart goalkeeper, Xolani ‘Xoxo’ Gama. In the 20^th minute, Nsingizini Hotspurs ignited the game: Quality Dlamini unleashed a sublime free-kick, curling it beyond the despairing dive of Gama to give Hotspurs a deserved lead. The strike was a moment of sheer brilliance, igniting the roaring Shiselweni faithful. 

Green Mamba responded with vigor. In the 30^th minute, Sikhali’s effort was heroically cleared off the line by Wenzile Lushaba. Eight minutes later, controversy erupted when Green Mamba appealed for a penalty, claiming Lushaba handled the ball in the box, but referee Celumusa Sphepho dismissed the protests. At the stroke of halftime, Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo spurned a golden opportunity for Green Mamba, blazing the ball over the bar. 

The second half saw a cagey affair, with injuries stifling the rhythm and both sides struggling to carve out clear-cut chances. As the clock ticked toward 90 minutes, the Nsingizini supporters, over 2 000 strong, erupted into jubilant song and dance, sensing victory. When referee S’phepho blew the final whistle, pandemonium ensued as Hotspurs celebrated their hard-fought triumph. 

Last season’s champions were Young Buffaloes.

Individual Awards

• Player of the Tournament: Yeki Khumalo (Nsingizini Hotspurs), E10 000
• Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Dlamini (Nsingizini Hotspurs), E7 000
• Coach of the Tournament: Bongani Mhlongo (Green Mamba), E7 000
• PRO of the Tournament: Sibusiso ‘Mnotfo’ Dlamini, E5 000
• Top Scorer: Muzi Tsabedze (Manzini Sea Birds), E7 000
• ⁠Best referee team: Match commissioner, Gilbert Dlamini; fourth official, Thembinkosi Dlamini; referee, Celumusa Sphepho; Assistant referees Gcinizwi Sihlongonyane and Sabelo Thwala: E6 000