SOCCER – Nsingizini Hotspurs head coach Mandla Qhogi believes his side have taken a significant step towards defending their MTN Premier League title after a hard-fought victory over Mbabane Swallows, boldly declaring that he does not see his team losing the championship from this stage.
The defending champions produced a clinical display to defeat the eight-time league winners 3–1 at Somhlolo National Stadium, opening a six-point gap at the top of the table with only 10 matches left in the campaign.
Speaking after the match, Qhogi emphasised the significance of beating a club with Swallows’ pedigree, saying triumphing over former champions was an important marker for his players.
“I once heard that to win the championship, you must beat teams that have won it before because by doing so you are taking their throne from them,” he said.
The tactician noted that the victory also served as sweet revenge after Swallows edged them 1–0 in the first-round meeting earlier in the season.
“We played well even in that game, but we were unfortunate not to score. Today there was no way they were going to survive. We told the players that no team will beat us twice this season. It can never happen that we lose to Mbabane Swallows again,” Qhogi added.
The coach reserved special praise for South African striker Senzo Ndlovu, who netted a brace to guide the Shiselweni-based outfit to victory.
“What a victory and congratulations to Senzo. He keeps on scoring and it shows the quality we have in the squad,” said Qhogi.
Beyond the result, the Nsingizini mentor stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism and consistency, reminding his players that strong performances could open doors beyond the country’s borders.
“It is important to keep players motivated because you never know who is watching our games. Scouts are always looking for talent and when our players perform well it enhances their chances of securing international moves,” he said.
Despite his confidence, Qhogi insisted that the title race was far from over.
“I don’t see us losing the league at this stage because we want to treat all the remaining games as cup finals. Even though we lead by six points, it does not mean we have already won the league. We still need to be consistent and win every match we compete in,” he said.
