MANZINI — Moneni Pirates have finally ended their agonising 11-year wait for major silverware after defeating Mbabane Highlanders AM FC 4-2 on penalties to lift the 2026 8Bet Trade Fair Cup at the Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday.
The Buccaneers held their nerve in a dramatic final that ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, before goalkeeper and penalty heroes helped Pirates complete a memorable triumph in front of more than 3 000 passionate supporters.
The victory marked a historic return to the winners’ circle for Pirates, whose previous major trophy came in 2015 when they defeated Manzini Wanderers 2-0 in the SwaziBank Cup, now known as the EswatiniBank Cup.
Pirates made the brighter start and were rewarded in the 33rd minute when Senanelo Nkambule calmly found the back of the net to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 lead.
Highlanders, however, refused to surrender.
The Black Bull came out firing after the break and were rewarded in the 55th minute when Phila Dlamini unleashed a powerful volley that beat the Pirates goalkeeper to level the scores.
With neither side able to find the decisive goal, the contest was forced into a penalty shootout — and that was where Pirates showed nerves of steel.
The Buccaneers converted their chances from the spot while Highlanders suffered heartbreak, with Ndumiso Mabuza seeing his penalty saved before Simphiwe Cele sent his effort over the crossbar.
Pirates eventually prevailed 4-2 to send their supporters into wild celebrations.
The triumph was particularly sweet for Pirates coach Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala, who had previously coached Highlanders before moving to the Buccaneers. Mosala insisted afterwards that the victory was not about proving a point against his former club, but about building something special with his new team.
“We have written history,” Mosala said after guiding Pirates to their first major trophy in 11 years.
The final was also a battle between two South African tacticians, with Mosala coming out on top against Highlanders coach Floyd ‘Mourinho’ Mogale.
For Highlanders, the defeat was a painful ending to a tournament in which they had shown impressive form, including a stunning 4-0 quarter-final victory over Mbabane Swallows before overcoming Young Buffaloes in the semi-finals on penalties.
Pirates, meanwhile, had marched to the final after defeating Green Mamba 3-0 on penalties following a goalless semi-final.
The Buccaneers’ victory also came with a massive financial reward, as the champions walked away with E660 000, while Highlanders received E340 000 as runners-up.
For a club that had endured more than a decade of waiting, disappointment and near misses, the moment could hardly have been sweeter.
The Buccaneers came to Mavuso with one mission — to lift the trophy.
After 120 minutes of tension, drama and nerve-wracking penalties, Moneni Pirates finally had their hands on the prize.
The wait is over.
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