Times Of Swaziland: AFTER SETBACK IN ‘Y’ELLO’ OPENER: NSINGIZINI OFF THE MARK

AFTER SETBACK IN ‘Y’ELLO’ OPENER: NSINGIZINI OFF THE MARK
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Sanele Jele on 23/09/2024 07:51:00


(At Kalanga Technical Centre)
Sisonkhe ......................(1)1
Simanga 10th
N. Hotspurs ................(1)2
Mavela 20th , Junior 86th
SITEKI – Nsingizini Hotspurs staged a remarkable comeback, clinching a 2-1
victory over newly-promoted Sisonkhe.
This was during an exhilarating MTN Premier League encounter watched by over 150
spectators yesterday. The triumph, spearheaded by the astute Head Coach Alexio
Singion, marked Hotspurs’ inaugural win of the season, propelling them from
the top half of the table, with three points from two matches. This much-needed
victory followed their narrow 0-1 defeat by Royal Leopard in their league opener
last weekend. Conversely, Sisonkhe faced a disheartening setback after a
promising start to their league campaign, having previously secured a 2-1
victory against Madlenya.
With yesterday’s loss, they now sit in seventh place with three points; a win
could have vaulted them to the summit of the standings with six points. In
addition to the goals scored, the match was marred by a career-threatening
injury sustained by Hotspurs’ Wenzile Lushaba and Sisonkhe’s Mpendulo
Mavuso, who collided head-on just before half-time. Lushaba was swiftly taken to
hospital by Hotspurs’ Chief Executive Officer, Phumlani Ngobe, while Mavuso
was seen with his head heavily bandaged, being stretchered off to the dressing
room.
In the match, the hosts opened the scoring just 10 minutes in, with former
Mbabane Swallows striker Simanga Shongwe finding the back of the net. However,
the visitors equalised shortly through Mavela Dlamini, before Junior Zindoga, a
former Maritzburg United player, secured the win for Nsingizini with a late
strike. The pendulum of momentum swung between both teams, but it was the
Mbongiseni Mamba-led side that broke the deadlock. Shongwe capitalised on a
quality pass from Quality Dlamini, expertly controlling the ball before
unleashing a powerful shot that beat Nsingizini goalkeeper Felizwe Vilakati.
Parity
The visitors quickly restored parity through Mavela, who struck from the left
flank, beating Sisonkhe goalkeeper Lungelo Maziya with a shot that found the far
post. Just at the stroke of half-time, a serious injury involving Mavuso and
Lushaba occurred, casting a shadow over the thrilling contest. Upon resuming
play, Nsingizini threatened to take the lead, but misses from Mavela and Neliswa
‘Tiger’ Dlamini—one from a header and the other from a volley—prevented
a breakthrough. Bongiswa ‘Pumba’ Dlamini came close with a well-placed
free-kick, only to see it denied by Sisonkhe’s goalkeeper Maziya.
Quality Dlamini, a key figure for Sisonkhe, was injured and replaced by Sentelwe
Dube in the 70th  minute, requiring assistance off the field. Hotspurs’
Thubelihle Mavuso nearly gave his side the lead, but his volley struck the side
netting 14 minutes before the final whistle. Finally, it was Zindoga who
provided Nsingizini with the lead after receiving a precise pass from Sambulo
‘Masoso’ Simelane. He deftly controlled the ball before unleashing a
stunning volley from the right flank, beating the advancing goalkeeper just four
minutes from time, delighting the travelling supporters.