MBABANE – Eswatini talent takes centre stage as Hardrock and Scottland FC collide in a high-stakes Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final showdown at Rufaro Stadium.
According to the Herald, the quarter-final tie is rescheduled for Wednesday September 16, after league leaders Scottland were involved in TotalEnergies CAF Champions League preliminary-round action, eliminating MTN Premier League back-to-back champions Nsingizini Hotspurs over the weekend.
The second leg at Somhlolo National Stadium finished goalless, with the Shiselweni-based side exiting 1–0 on aggregate after losing the first leg in Zimbabwe.
Both Zimbabwean teams parade Eswatini stars. Scottland feature versatile player Kwakwe ‘Stopper’ Thwala, while Hardrock boast five Emaswati standouts in Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane, Yeki ‘Madumane’ Khumalo and Thubelihle Mavuso.
According to the publication, Hardrock Coach Kelvin Kaindu believes his side’s inactivity last weekend could prove costly. The miners face a demanding week, with Sunday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League trip to Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium following closely behind.
Kaindu admitted the unexpected break disrupted their momentum after an eight-match unbeaten run, noting it was used primarily to help injured players recover rather than for tactical training. Hardrock were previously missing several key names, including Tinashe Mashaireni, Misheck Ngwenya, Munashe Bamara, Masimba Mambare and goalkeeper Martin Mapisa.
Despite the challenges of back-to-back away fixtures and limited recovery time, Kaindu emphasised that his squad remains focused on maintaining consistency across both league and cup competitions, while paying tribute to the travelling supporters.
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