MANZINI – Eswatini international midfielder Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini extended his impressive scoring streak in Zimbabwe by netting one of the fastest goals in the country’s football history.
Playing for Zimbabwean top-flight outfit Hardrock in a pulsating Munhumutapa Challenge Cup encounter against Kwekwe United at Chahwanda Stadium, Dlamini wasted no time making his mark. The midfielder found the back of the net just 20 seconds after the opening whistle to fire his side ahead.
The strike adds to Dlamini’s growing tally in Zimbabwe, where he has already registered at least two league goals and two assists since moving to the club last year. The midfield engine is currently one of Hardrock’s most valuable assets, with a Transfermarkt market valuation slightly above E1 million (£50,000).
The match marked a significant milestone as Hardrock’s entire Eswatini quartet made the starting line-up under manager Kelvin Kaindu. Dlamini was joined on the pitch by compatriots Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane, Thubelihle Mavuso, and Sizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo, following the successful registration of Mavuso and Khumalo late last month.
Hardrock dominated the early exchanges and held a golden opportunity to double their lead less than 10 minutes later. However, Washington Navaya missed from the penalty spot, leaving Hardrock with a slender 1–0 advantage as the match progressed.
The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup features a lucrative winner’s package of over E16 million (US$1 million), as reported by Newsday Zimbabwe. Elsewhere in the tournament, Eswatini player Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso also earned a starting spot for Agama against Bulawayo Chiefs.
Meanwhile, Nsingizini Hotspurs’ upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup opponents, Scottland FC—where Eswatini defender Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala plays—were rested this weekend ahead of their last 32 fixture against Oden on Monday.
Leave a comment