PLAYERS WERE CARELESS – LEOPARD’S EDWIN

MBABANE – Royal Leopard’s Head Coach Edwin Matsebula expressed his disappointment following a 1-1 draw against Nsingizini Hotspurs on Saturday afternoon. This was during the pulsating MTN Premier League clash played at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in Nhlangano. Leopard struck first, with a precise pass from Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ Magagula finding Lungelo Tsabedze, who expertly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala. However, Nsingizini, refusing to back down, equalised in the second half. In the 73rd minute, substitute Mvuselelo Mthethwa’s shot took a deflection off Leopard defender Gift ‘Jobe’ Gamedze, finding the back of the net and igniting celebrations among the home supporters. In a post-match interview, Matsebula lamented his side’s inability to convert numerous opportunities.

“We had too many chances, too many clear-cut opportunities, and I would describe the players as being rather careless. Nsingizini, after scoring, could have easily found themselves three goals down,” he remarked. The frustrated coach acknowledged that he anticipated Nsingizini’s resurgence in the second half, given their quality. On the opposing side, Nsingizini’s Simon Ngomane described the match as a contest between two giants. “Royal Leopard are not occupying the top position by mere chance; they are a hardworking team. I am pleased that my players rose to the occasion and demonstrated their capabilities.

It was an excellent display of football, and I trust the supporters were satisfied with the quality on offer,” he stated. Ngomane further noted that tactically, his team should have netted more than one goal, yet he credited the opposition for their own chances to secure victory. “The level of competition is exceptionally high, which is precisely what African football needs—teams competing on equal footing. I am optimistic that through future matches, we will achieve this standard,” he added. As the former Assistant Coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, Ngomane indicated plans for player rotation to manage fatigue, while remaining committed to maintaining performance levels. He expressed enthusiasm about the potential within his squad. “This is a remarkable generation of players who have the potential to achieve great things if they take care of themselves. I eagerly anticipate working with these youngsters,” he concluded.

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