MATSAPHA – Nsingizini Hotspurs retained their Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup title yesterday, edging South African side Ulundi United 5-4 on penalties following a pulsating final that had ended 1-1 in regulation time.
The high-stakes clash unfolded at the Prince Mangosuthu Stadium in Ulundi, played out in front of a capacity crowd. Among the notable dignitaries in attendance were Nsingizini club President Derrick Shiba, Mbabane Highlanders President Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize and members of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) royalty. The annual tournament is held to honour the memory of the late KZN Traditional Prime Minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Beyond the pre-season silverware, the tournament offered lucrative financial rewards. Nsingizini took home the winner’s prize of E500 000, bringing their total tournament earnings alongside participation fees to a reported E850 000.
The Eswatini champions were determined to defend the title they shared last year with Betway Premiership outfit AmaZulu, after torrential rain forced the abandonment of that final.
Nsingizini booked their place in yesterday’s showcase by defeating local rivals Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals. Despite the defeat, Highlanders are guaranteed a E350 000 participation windfall. In the other semi-final, Ulundi United caused an upset by defeating AmaZulu 2-0 to progress.
In the final, South African tactician Mandla Qhogi paraded a formidable line-up. Headlining the starting eleven was Sihlangu Semnikati left-back Thulani Jingana, whose appearance in Nsingizini colours has added intense fuel to recent transfer rumours before the registration window officially opens.
Barely weeks after becoming a free agent, the 23-year-old international defender has emerged as the latest high-profile star linked with the MTN Premier League champions. While his inclusion has intensified speculation over an imminent move, the club’s management has yet to make an official announcement regarding his contract status. Nsingizini are expected to return to the country briefly before jetting off next Wednesday for a rigorous pre-season training camp in Pretoria.
Jingana was not the only unfamiliar face turning out for the CAF Champions League-bound side. Amawele midfielder Phephisani ‘Pepper’ Maphanga was also spotted with the squad, while the official team sheet featured several highly-rated potential recruits, including Lwandisa Dlamini, Adetu Kossi, Emmanuel Muririmu and Emmanuel Sarpong.
On the pitch, despite numerous chances created by both sides, the teams went into the half-time break deadlocked.
Nsingizini drew first blood early in the second half. The Hotspurs took a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute, courtesy of a brilliant strike from potential recruit Emmanuel Sarpong.
With just 17 minutes left on the clock, the Eswatini heavyweights looked well on course for victory. However, Ulundi United struck back, scoring a dramatic equaliser with 10 minutes of regulation time remaining.
With the match ending 1-1 at the final whistle, the tie was settled by a nerve-shredding sudden-death shootout, where Insingizi Yezulu held their nerve to secure a 5-4 victory and retain their crown.
