SITEKI – As the curtain fell on the year’s calendar, Nsingizini Hotspurs gifted skipper Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini the perfect birthday present.
This follows a slender but crucial 1-0 victory over a struggling Sisonkhe side. In a lacklustre MTN Premier League encounter staged under the scorching heat of the KaLanga Technical Centre on the outskirts of Siteki, the win ensured Nsingizini headed into the new year at the summit of the table.
With 28 points from 13 matches, they sit three points clear of second-placed Manzini Sea Birds.
The result leaves Nsingizini just 180 minutes away from clinching the E120 000 first-round incentive.
With last season’s winners, Royal Leopard, already out of the running for this particular prize, the ‘carrot’ is now firmly within Nsingizini’s grasp.
Mandla Qhogi’s side had to navigate the tie without the services of key attackers Ayanda Gadlela and Joel Madondo, as well as dependable defender Kwakhe Thwala. The trio were notable absentees, missing even from the stands where injured goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala and defender Wenzile Lushaba watched on. They were joined on the sidelines by forward Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane, whose future at the club remains the subject of intense exit reports. In their absence, Mvuselelo Mthethwa was tasked with leading the line, and he proved to be the difference-maker.
The visitors signalled their intent within four minutes when the birthday boy, ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, found the back of the net, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside by newly-accredited International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) referee Sanele Ntimane.
Sisonkhe had moments of their own, but Mukelo ‘Msiwi’ Nhlabatsi lacked the clinical edge to capitalise on a Njabulo Gama delivery, again falling foul of the referee’s offside flag in front of Sibusiso ‘Bharaba’ Dlamini’s goal.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 20th minute. Mvuselelo Mthethwa capitalised on a hesitant clearance by Siboniso Ngomane, Lofting a delicate ball over the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. Thubelihle Mavuso nearly doubled the lead shortly after, but his effort was comfortably gathered by Lungelo Maziya.
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