Times Of Swaziland: KWAKHE SCORES ON DEBUT, NSINGIZINI CLAIM 2ND SPOT

KWAKHE SCORES ON DEBUT, NSINGIZINI CLAIM 2ND SPOT
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Mengameli Mabuza on 02/02/2025 09:34:00


BIG BEND – Nsingizini Hotspurs continued their dominance over Young Buffaloes
with another win yesterday.
The only goal of the game was scored by former Mbabane Swallows and Young
Buffaloes versatile player Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala from a beautiful volley
in the second half of the match. The win not only added to ‘Insingizi
YeZulu’s dominance over ‘Amathole Ezinyathi’ but also moved the team up to
second place in the league standings, with 31 points. Meanwhile, Buffaloes
remained stagnant in sixth place with only 23 points.
The game also witnessed FIFA-accredited referee Thulani ‘Goje’ Sibandze and
his team of officials needing the protection of the Royal Eswatini Police
Service (REPS) after Buffaloes officials wanted to skin the referees alive for
what they deemed unfair officiating, accusing the referee of influencing the
outcome of the game.
Dangerous
The match also ended with Buffaloes playing with nine men after Lizwe Zwane and
Siboniso ‘Gaxa’ Ngwenya received red cards for dangerous play. The encounter
kicked-off with both teams exhibiting a high level of energy and determination.
Nsingizini Hotspurs demonstrating an aggressive approach, reflected that in the
early booking of their midfielder, Mncedisi Dlamini, for a dangerous challenge
on Ali Matse, just 10 minutes into the game.
This physicality persisted throughout the first-half, with Nkosingiphile Shongwe
receiving a yellow card for a late tackle on Sandile Gamedze in the 34th minute.
The cards kept coming for the visitors, as three minutes after Shongwe’s
booking; Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini was also cautioned for a late challenge on
Machawe Gamedze, further highlighting the team’s aggressive style of play.
The first real chance of the game came in the 23rd minute when Tiger unleashed a
powerful half volley from just outside the box, narrowly missing the target.
Meanwhile, Buffaloes had their own opportunities to break the deadlock. In the
34th minute, Leon ‘Schuster’ Manyisa tried his luck from range, but the
midfielder’s effort was comfortably saved by Nsingizini’s goalkeeper,
Khanyakwezwe Shabalala who had his debut game for the team after signing at the
start of the season. The second half commenced with action at both ends. First,
Ayanda ‘Gandaganda’ Gadlela squandered a golden opportunity when sent
through on goal, failing to convert a seemingly easy chance.
Contentious
Shortly after, in the 50th minute, Buffaloes striker Lizwe Zwane received his
marching orders after a contentious red card, as referee Sibandze adjudged him
to have committed a foul on Nsingizini Hotspurs defender Nkosingiphile.
With the numerical advantage, Nsingizini Hotspurs capitalised on their extra man
in the 62nd minute when debutant Thwala thundered a shot into the back of the
net, following a scramble in the box.
Thwala’s rocket strike secured a 1-0 lead for the visitors and tilted the
balance of the game in their favour. As the match headed into the final 30
minutes, chances were few and far between, with players from both sides
appearing increasingly fatigued. As the clock ticked towards the 90th minute,
tempers flared once again. In what would prove to be the last action of the
game, Buffaloes’ Ngwenya received his second yellow card after slapping
Nkosingiphile in the box, bringing an end to his game early.The match ended on a
sour note, with multiple reckless tackles and confrontations marring the
contest.