MBABANE — A solitary strike from Eswatini international Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini propelled Zimbabwean outfit Hardrock into the 2026 Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals.
Dlamini’s majestic header proved decisive against Scottland, who went into the tie riding high after eliminating Nsingizini Hotspurs from the TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League. This fiercely-contested quarter-final unfolded at Harare’s iconic Rufaro Stadium on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Scottland, affectionately dubbed ‘The Mamelodi Sundowns of Zimbabwe’, now turn their attention to Angolan giants Petro de Luanda in the second preliminary round of the continent’s flagship club competition. Domestically, Hardrock sit just a single point behind Scottland in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League standings.
The Chibuku Super Cup remains Zimbabwe’s premier knockout competition, boasting a total prize fund exceeding E5.7 million. The eventual champions are set to scoop approximately E1.23 million ($75 000).
The clash carried significant Eswatini interest. Scottland featured international defender Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala, while Hardrock , popularly known as Kasongo,fielded a formidable Eswatini contingent including Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane, Thubelihle Mavuso and Sizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo, all formerly of Nsingizini.
Following the semi-final draw, top-flight newcomers Hardrock will host Hunters over the weekend of October 31–November 1, 2026.
In the other semi-final, CAPS United Coach Takesure Chiragwi, who previously enjoyed a coaching stint in Eswatini, relishes a heavyweight showdown against Highlanders. Having already completed a league double over ‘Bosso’ this term, ‘The Green Machine’ have a golden opportunity to prove those victories were no fluke and reach their first Chibuku Super Cup final since the tournament’s revival 12 years ago.
The showpiece final is scheduled for November 28. The runners-up will pocket over E800 000 ($50 000), while the remaining prize pot will be distributed among the other participants, including Scottland and Newman Philiso’s Agama side, based on their final tournament placements.
Leave a comment