(At Mkhuzweni Technical Centre)
R. Leopard……..0
N. Hotspurs…….0
BUHLENI – Leopard and Nsingizini shared the spoils in a fiercely-contested encounter with no goals seen yesterday, albeit with Nsingizini returning to top spot.
This was during a pulsating MTN Premier League clash staged at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre before a sizable crowd of spectators. Despite the gentle showers of rain that lasted nearly until this match ended, fanatics rallied behind their sides until the end of regulation time.
The encounter was so intense such that FIFA-accredited referee Thulani Sibandze, who officiated had to issue at least six yellow cards to players from both sides. Adding more drama, photographers from either sides were denied access to the other other dugout resulting from suspicions of possible practises against the other.
Nsingizini Hotspurs goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala was among the absentees for this side and watched from the stands alongside centre-back Kingsley Kwakyi who served a suspension.
The hosts Royal Leopard were pushing for a win to restore their team’s image following a tough start this season. They had several attempts to break the deadlock, with Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini, Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ Magagula and Simanga ‘Stina’ Masangane all testing Nsingizini’s goalkeeper Sibusiso ‘Bharaba’ Dlamini.
However, the Hotspurs’ back row, marshalled by Vuyo Macina, Kwakhe Thwala, and Nkosingiphile ‘Skomota’ Shongwe, showed being resolute. The visitors managed to launch some threatening counterattacks through Joel Madondo and Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini.
Nevertheless, Ingwemabalala’s defence, led by Mancoba Maseko and Mzwandile Mabelesa, was up to the task, with goalkeeper Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Makhanya making some impressive saves to keep the scores level. The two sides were tied to a goalless draw when Sibandze signalled for halftime.
It was near chaos for Insingizi YeZulu into replay as Leopard midfielder Masangane failed to convert at close range. Alternatively, Madondo was denied a chance at post by Leopard defender Mlamuli Msibi, resulting in him shouting in frustration.
Mandla Qhogi’s troops should have pulled one with 25 minutes upon resumption of play when substitute Ayanda ‘Gandaganda’ Gadlela headed above post inside, the box from midfielder Yeki Khumalo’s corner kick at the left side leaving his teammates and supporters dejected.
Nevertheless, Edwin Matsebula’s replacement Sibonelo ‘Jekwa’ Simelane sprinted towards the post a few minutes later, but his efforts fell short before he could reach Bharaba’s perimeters.
Furthermore, Makhanya made a crucial save as snatching the ball from Gadlela’s feet into 78 minutes. With just eight minutes before the end of regulation time, Leopard seasoned forward Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst rose up the highest receiving a good ball on target but there was no space to slot home.
*Full article available in our publication
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