MBABANE – Eswatini midfielder Sizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo is already winning admirers in Zimbabwe, earning glowing reviews after only two appearances for Hardrock.
The former Nsingizini Hotspurs midfielder continued his impressive start as Hardrock edged Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-1 in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Baobab Stadium on Sunday, July 26.
Khumalo played 78 minutes before making way for Donald Mudadi, producing another composed midfield display in just his second outing since finally making his long-awaited debut. The Eswatini international had endured weeks on the sidelines after joining the Zimbabwean club in early June.
His performance drew widespread praise from Libertino, a Facebook football page with more than 107 000 followers, on Monday, July 27. The platform described Khumalo as a delight to watch and even suggested newly-signed Malawian international Uchizi Vunga, who joined CAPS United about three weeks ago, could improve by studying the Eswatini’s midfielder’s game.
“Uchizi Vunga can become an entirely different player if he takes time to watch the Eswatini national at work,” read part of the post.
The victory also saw Hardrock close the gap on league leaders Scottland, who spent Sunday taking on South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in the 2026 Toyota Cup. Scottland fielded a largely second-string side in the opening half before introducing several senior players, including Eswatini defender Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala, former Kaizer Chiefs stars Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat shortly before the hour mark. Chiefs won the match 1-0, courtesy of Mfundo ‘Obrigado’ Vilakazi’s 38th-minute strike.
