EZULWINI – Nsingizini Hotspurs swept the boards at the 2025/26 Ingwenyama Cup Awards Gala Dinner, where forward Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu was crowned Player of the Tournament.
Before Tournament Patron His Majesty King Mswati III, cabinet ministers, football administrators and high-profile guests, the Shiselweni-based giants took centre stage after sweeping the boards at the prestigious awards gala at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre.
The tournament, generously sponsored to the tune of E5 million by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF), saw Nsingizini officially claim their well-deserved E1.45 million first-place cheque following a historic campaign.
At the heart of the club’s celebrations was prolific forward Ndlovu, who etched his name into local football folklore. The impressive South African marksman was crowned Player of the Tournament, standing tall as the final jewel in Nsingizini’s crown.
After steering Nsingizini to success following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Green Mamba in the dramatic May finale, Ndlovu capped off a stellar individual campaign with four crucial goals. For his efforts, ‘Mbhobho’ pocketed E15 000, edging out teammate and towering defender Nkosingiphile ‘Skomota’ Shongwe, alongside stylish midfielder Yekisizwe Khumalo, who departed the Eswatini champions in June to join current Zimbabwean log leaders Hardrock Football Club.
Ndlovu finished just a single strike shy of the coveted Golden Boot, which was ultimately claimed by Manzini Sea Birds’ enterprising attacker Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto. Mkhonto’s five-goal heroics earned him a well-deserved E10 000 reward.
The accolades for Nsingizini continued to roll in as the club established 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.
While astute tactician Mandla Qhogi outclassed formidable rivals including former Green Mamba mentor Bongani Mhlongo and Manzini Sea Birds’ Friday Myeni to clinch the Coach of the Tournament award, taking home E10 000. He also got the same award in league a few months ago.
It was also a memorable night off the pitch for the club’s vibrant spokesperson Mnotfo Dlamini. Cementing a remarkable season double for the outfit, Dlamini 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.
Meanwhile, the women’s division delivered its own share of brilliance. Thulisile Thring of champions Young Buffaloes Ladies emerged 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.
The award ceremony was still underway at the time of compiling this report late last night. True to the unique identity of the Ingwenyama Cup, the evening was equally a celebration of heritage.
Rich Eswatini culture was on full display as winners in the traditional culture categories spanning Sibhaca, Ummiso, Lutsango, Emajaha and Timbongi were handsomely decorated for flawless showcasing the country’s timeless traditions.
