DESPITE ‘BIRDS’, NSINGIZINI SCRAPPY WINS, IT’S ... DREAM QUARTER-FINAL TIE

MANZINI – The 2024 8Bet Trade Fair Cup is off to a flying start.

Teams involved in the grand opening of the E2 million-sponsored tournament, at a chilly Mavuso Sports Centre, two days ago, ensured they brought the heat before guests led by Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, as well as Commerce, Industry and Trade Minister Manqoba Khumalo. The over 4 000 fans roared in excitement, as local football returned for the first time since May.

Moneni Pirates set the tone for a thrilling opening day of action with a stunning 2-0 win over Royal Leopard, thanks to brace hero Senanelo Nkambule. The young striker broke the deadlock 12 minutes into the game, when he channelled the ball past Leopard goalkeeper Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini inside the box, to make it 1-0. Nkambule was back again 22 minutes later to complete his brace after taking Leopard defenders for a joy ride and left Mbhonyo for dead to score in an empty net.

Showdown

Up next was a feisty showdown between minnows and rookies Sisonke and last year’s runners-up Mbabane Swallows. The latter, who are minus four players, got more than they had bargained for.  The players who include shot-stopper Sandanezwe Mathabela are away in Guinea-Bissau with Sihlangu. Sisonke, who had blended youth and experience showed no respect for the illustrious opponents.  Players like goalkeeper Lungelo Maziya, Mukelo Nhlabatsi and Quality Dlamini, left a lasting impression before the favourite side succumbed to a 0-1 loss through an own goal. Mlandvo Tsabedze rifled the ball into his own net with a diving header from close range, after failing to deal with a Bongi Magagula cross, three minutes from time. Defeat would have been a bitter pill to swallow for Swallows after enterprising midfielder Leon Manyisa was denied by the cross bar from a penalty spot. Despite the uninspiring display, Swallows still had the verve to sneak into the quarter-finals.

Exhilarating

Manzini Wanderers then faced off against Nsingizini in an exhilarating clash. The match showcased the talents of both squads. Manzini Wanderers paraded a well-known line-up, featuring several key players from last season’s campaign. They were led by dependable skipper Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule, with former Denver Sundowns Coach Musa Manyatsi in the dugout. It was see-saw at first, but the breakthrough came in the 25th minute, when Alvin Shabashie capitalised on clumsy defending and a costly error by ‘Weslians’ goalkeeper Simiso Tsabedze. The Nsingizini import deftly tapped the ball into the net to give Nsingizini a 1-0 lead. However, Wanderers responded with relentless attacking efforts, pressing forward in search of an equaliser. Despite their best efforts, Wanderers struggled in the final third, unable to convert their opportunities into goals.

Resolute

Nsingizini’s defence remained resolute, successfully thwarting Wanderers’ advances. As the half-time whistle blew, the Musa Manyatsi-led charges found themselves trailing 1-0.
In the second half, Mancoba Maseko squandered a golden opportunity in the 65th minute, failing to find the back of the net for the ‘Weslians’. Moments later, in the 70th minute, Wanderers’ ‘Mlaba’ unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, only to be denied by the superb reflexes of Nsingizini goalkeeper Felizwe Vilakati. The match remained fiercely contested, with both teams displaying grit and determination. Ultimately, Nsingizini claimed a 1-0 victory over Wanderers.  The Shiselweni-based ensemble further set a dream quarter-final clash against Swallows. It will be played tomorrow.

Promotion

Since winning promotion to the Premier League, two seasons ago; Nsingizini have dominated Swallows. The former won the MoMo Cup ahead of Swallows and further prevailed in a preseason tournament in Mpumalanga, last month. In the four league meetings in top flight football, Swallows have won twice, with the other victory going Nsingizini’s way. One game ended in a draw. By late yesterday, most of the quarter-final match-ups were expected to be decided.

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