A former Orlando Pirates coach is on the verge of joining newly crowned Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Hotspurs clinched the 2024/25 MTN Premier League title with a resounding 5-0 victory over Sidwashini United at Somhlolo Stadium on Sunday. This historic triumph was guided by former Golden Arrows coach Simon Ngomane.
Following the title triumph, the club’s president, Derrick Shiba, confirmed that the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach, Ngomane, would transition into a sporting director role within the club.
“You’ve seen us, we invested in a sporting director [Ngomane], we have already invested in a new coach, which will be announced in the next 72 hours, while we prepare for the CAF Champions League,” Shiba told journalists.
WHO IS THE EX-PIRATES COACH HEADING TO ESWATINI CHAMPIONS
FARPost has reliably learned that Mandla Qhogi, whose most recent coaching stint was with Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC, is currently in discussions with Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Qhogi boasts an impressive 18-year tenure within Orlando Pirates’ junior structures, where he notably coached the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side before Joseph Makhanya took the reins.
During his time with the Buccaneers, he was instrumental in nurturing talents such as Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster, Zakhele Lepasa, Thabiso Monyane, Thabiso Sesane, Boitumelo Radiopane, and Nhlakanipho Ntuli.
Holding a CAF A license and a Scottish UEFA C License, Qhogi has publicly expressed his desire for a project that would facilitate his growth, following his departure from Milford earlier this year. The astute tactician has drawn interest from clubs like Silver Strikers, Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy, and several teams in South Africa’s first division.
He previously stated: “I want a project that would make me grow. When I took Milford… there were DDC teams wanting me to join them. I said ‘Let me take a chance [and go to Milford]’. I knew I’d have a job after that….”
Nsingizini Hotspurs presents an intriguing opportunity for the highly rated Qhogi, as they are set to compete in the CAF Champions League next season.
Earlier this season, the Shiselweni-based outfit faced Stellenbosch FC in the CAF Confederation Cup’s first preliminary round, suffering an 8-0 aggregate defeat. By bringing in the CAF coaching instructor, Hotspurs are clearly aiming to bolster their technical team and make a stronger impression in continental tournaments next season.
RELATED STORY: Milford make coaching changes following poor results