Just a year ago, Skhumbuzo Handsome Mazibuko found himself without a club and uncertain about his football future.
After parting ways with Pretoria Callies at the end of the 2022/23 season, the 30-year-old midfielder was left in limbo, having spent the entire 2023/24 campaign sidelined from professional football.
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But what a turnaround it has been for him this year.
Mazibuko has just completed a remarkable comeback by helping Eswatini Premier League side Nsingizini Hotspurs to their first-ever league title – securing a historic berth in next season’s CAF Champions League.
His agent, Nkosinathi Thomo of Asa Prosport, reflected on the player’s journey:
“Skhumbuzo Handsome Mazibuko was club-less for the whole of last season after he parted ways with Pretoria Callies in the 2022/23 campaign. Now, he’s won the league with Nsingizini Hotspurs in Swaziland, and they’ve qualified for the CAF Champions League next season,” he told Soccer Laduma.
Mazibuko’s path back to relevance began in January when the ambitious Shiselweni-based Hotspurs made a bold move to sign him alongside two other reinforcements.
The club saw potential in the South African midfielder’s experience and pedigree, despite his recent absence from the game.
A former youth international, Mazibuko represented South Africa’s U20 national team earlier in his career.
He’s also played for top flight clubs including SuperSport United and AmaZulu, as well as stints in Mzansi’s second-tier.
His addition proved to be a masterstroke for Nsingizini, as Mazibuko brought much-needed composure, leadership, and top-level experience to a team hungry for silverware.
His presence in midfield played a key role in the club’s consistent performances throughout the second half of the season.
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Now, not only is Mazibuko back in the professional game – he’s on the verge of stepping onto the biggest stage in African club football.
The fairytale comeback could continue next season when Nsingizini Hotspurs take on the continent's elite in the CAF Champions League.
Photo by Gallo Images
