NSINGIZINI CLAIM DERBY, NET E75K

(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Rangers ...........................1
Hleliso 58th
Nsingizini ........................2
Zindoga 45+3, Mvuselelo 47th
MANZINI – Nsingizini Hotspurs maintained their dominance over regional rivals Rangers, recording a 2-1 victory to finish third in the inaugural 8Bet Trade Fair Cup.This triumph came during the third-place play-off match, which served as the curtain-raiser for the finals on the grand closing day of the tournament at Mavuso Sports Centre, yesterday.Goals from Zimbabwean striker Junior Zindoga and former Ludzeludze Killers striker Mvuselelo Mthethwa ensured that the ambitious MTN Premier League side clinched the E75 000 incentive for being the third best team in the tournament. Meanwhile, a lone strike from Hleliso Gamedze was not enough to earn Rangers a win, leaving them to settle for the E25 000 semi-final finish prize. Rangers and Hotspurs faced off in the play-offs after their paths were blocked by Young Buffaloes and Moneni Pirates, respectively.

unlucky

Under the guidance of Sihle Mavimbela, Rangers were unlucky on the day, as they were slightly superior against weakened Hotspurs. Coach Alexio Sigion rested key regular first team players who included Captain Pius Baffour and Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane.However, despite the sweltering heat, the regional rivals engaged in a lively game but fans were kept waiting for goals.It was in the 36th minute when the bronze medallists suffered a setback. Sinenkhosi ‘China’ Dlamini was forced off due to an injury, prompting   Zindoga to step in. Rangers, however, had a golden opportunity to take the lead just two minutes before the interval, but Sandile ‘Maree’ Thwala’s effort from inside the box narrowly missed the goalmouth.
Hleliso Gamedze had flicked the ball to an unmarked Thwala.

As the game seemed destined to reach halftime in a stalemate, Hotspurs seized the moment and took the lead. Zindoga converted a penalty to send the game into halftime with a one-goal advantage.During referee Thembinkosi ‘Dovos’ Dlamini’s three minutes additional time, Simo Mtshali was penalised for a rough tackle on Mavela Dlamini.Nsingizini were also swift to double their lead after the restart, with Mvuselelo opening his account in the 47th minute. He met Mncedisi ‘Mphotho’ Dlamini’s well-timed cross to nod it home.Coach Mavimbela wasted no time in looking for a plan B, introducing four fresh players. This move yielded results in less than 10 minutes. Hleliso grabbed his second goal of the tournament just two minutes before the hour mark, finishing off a rebound from substitute Ntokozo Dlamini.

Rangers then pressed hard, searching for an equaliser which never came until the final whistle. Under siege, Hotspurs even reinforced their back line and added firepower upfront. Captain Baffour stepped in for the injured Wenzile Lushaba, while ‘Masoso’ replaced Mvuselelo. They held on to their slender lead until the final blow. Nsingizini had previously defeated Rangers 1-0 during the second leg of the 2023 MTN Premier League, while the first round ended in a 1-1 draw.

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