MBABANE – Speculation over the future of Nsingizini Hotspurs Chief Executive Officer Banele Ngobe has intensified, with reports suggesting he has amicably parted ways with the club.
The Times of Eswatini understands that news of Ngobe’s reported departure has been handled internally as the club sought to ensure a smooth leadership transition before making any public announcement. However, information regarding the alleged exit has since surfaced on social media. Ngobe joined the Shiselweni-based outfit in late 2023.
Before then, members of the media would contact Mphikeleli Dlamini, who served as the club’s Head of Marketing and Communications. During Ngobe’s tenure, Nsingizini enjoyed one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, winning back-to-back MTN Premier League titles in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, the 2025/26 Ingwenyama Cup and the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup. The club also qualified for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League and earned invitations to regional tournaments, including the inaugural Mangosuthu Legacy Cup in South Africa.
Following his departure from the Head of Marketing and Communications role, Mphikeleli Dlamini became a committee member of the club’s marketing team, which is headed by former Miss Eswatini Nozipho Shabangu.
Contacted for comment, Nsingizini Public Relations Officer Sibusiso ‘Mnotfo’ Dlamini neither confirmed nor denied the reports. “We have heard the reports that our CEO has left the club. I am asking the media to allow us to comment on this matter once it has been officially communicated. The matter is before the office of the president. When someone like a CEO leaves the club, it is disappointing, but we ask that the president be given an opportunity to deal with the matter before we issue any statement,” he said. Attempts to reach Ngobe did not yield the desired result.
Meanwhile, preparations are continuing for Nsingizini’s participation in the inaugural Mangosuthu Legacy Cup, which will be played on July 18 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The one-day tournament, staged in honour of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, will feature AmaZulu FC, Richards Bay FC, Siwelele FC and Nsingizini Hotspurs. The draw for the tournament is scheduled for 9am today at the Garden Court Hotel in uLundi.
The Times of Eswatini has also learnt that the club is encouraging supporters travelling to Durban to purchase official replica jerseys.
