Times Of Swaziland: ‘FELA’ HAT-TRICK SEALS LEOPARD VICTORY

‘FELA’ HAT-TRICK SEALS LEOPARD VICTORY
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Melusi Mkhabela on 07/11/2024 12:48:00


MBABANE – In a six-goal spectacle, returning Felix Badenhorst stole the
limelight, guiding Royal Leopard to a vital 4-2 triumph over struggling
Sidwashini United.
Making a triumphant return from injury, Badenhorst displayed his exceptional
talent and experience by netting a magnificent hat-trick, marking a stellar
comeback to the pitch, during the thrilling MTN Premier League clash at the
Prince of Wales Sports Ground, yesterday. The result ensured Leopard cut leaders
Mbabane Swallows’ lead to one point, while Sidwashini remained trapped in the
drop zone with one point. It did not take long for Leopard to break the
deadlock, with Badenhorst scoring with a free header, putting his team ahead.
This early goal set the stage for his remarkable performance.
Sidwashini’s captain, Lizwe Dlamini, attempted to respond with a powerful shot
from the edge of the box, but it flew wide, highlighting the early struggles the
team faced in containing Badenhorst and the Leopard attack. Notably, the
Sidwashini goalkeeper Sandile Dlamini had to change his gloves due to the
slippery conditions, further illustrating the challenges for the side. In the
14th minute, Badenhorst’s influence continued to flourish. Although Sidwashini
nearly equalised through William Kunene, who managed to beat a defender on the
flank, a low cross went wide, squandering a promising opportunity.
As the match unfolded, Badenhorst’s teammate, Fanelo Tsabedze, unleashed a
powerful shot that was expertly saved by the Sidwashini gaolkeeper in the 25th
minute. Despite gaining some confidence, it was Badenhorst’s teammate, Felix
Lottin, who capitalised on a defensive error to extend the lead  in the 28th
minute. As the first half neared its conclusion, Sidwashini’s Kunene continued
to impress, but it was Tyson Magagula who pulled one back for Sidwashini,
scoring just before the half-time whistle to make it 2-1. Royal Leopard began
the second half eager to restore their two-goal cushion.
However, Lottin failed to convert a clear chance early on, and despite
dominating possession, Leopard struggled to find the back of the net. In the
55th minute, Badenhorst showcased his agility in the box, but his shot was well
saved. Yet, his determination shone through; in the 76th minute, he struck
again, converting a hard and low cross from substitute Muzi Dlamini to make it
3-1. Just five minutes later, he completed his hat-trick with another goal,
assisted by Junior Magagula, pushing the score to 4-1.
As the match neared its conclusion, Royal Leopard focused on maintaining
possession, but Sidwashini managed to score from a quality cross, with Samkeliso
Dlamini finding the net in the 88th minute to make it 4-2. They nearly found a
third, but a missed opportunity from Lizwe Dlamini ensured Royal Leopard held on
to their lead. The match ended with Royal Leopard celebrating a 4-2 victory. The
result kept Leopard in hunt for the E100 000 first round ‘carrot’, while it
is back to the drawing for the rookies in their survival bid.