(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Moneni Pirates…………………..1
Juju 90th
Nsingizini Hotspurs……………0
LOBAMBA – Senanelo ‘Juju’ Nkambule struck in the 90th minute to break Moneni Pirates’ hoodoo against Nsingizini Hotspurs with a dramatic 1-0 victory yesterday.
The victory kicked off the new MTN Premier League season in thrilling fashion as defending champions Nsingizini endured a losing start before a lively crowd. The result ended Pirates’ winless run against Hotspurs, who completed a league double over the ‘Sea Robbers’ of Moneni last term. The defeat also condemned Nsingizini to a fourth consecutive match without a win or goal across all competitions.
Prominent figures in attendance included Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, MTN Eswatini Chief Marketing Officer Meshack Maseko and Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp Dlamini. With a lucrative E1.185 million grand prize guaranteed for this season’s champions, the stakes could not have been higher.
Nsingizini were eager to redeem themselves following their early exit from the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League preliminary rounds and an 8Bet Trade Fair Cup knockout. Conversely, Moneni sought to build on their pre-season momentum after lifting the 8Bet trophy. The encounter also featured a tactical battle between two South African strategists: Seloatse ‘Sly’ Mosala of Moneni and Nsingizini’s Mandla Qhogi.
failed to hit the target
Nsingizini forward Njongo ‘Jakalazi’ Mazibuko nearly opened his account early on after being set up by Quality ‘Mashimeni’ Dlamini, but Moneni goalkeeper Bernard Ayikwei reacted smartly to deny him. At the other end, Nkambule failed to hit the target with Nsingizini custodian Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Dlamini caught out of position.
Inside the first 20 minutes, Mashimeni opted for a direct shot over the crossbar instead of picking out the unmarked Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu. Minutes later, Moneni forward Andile Mamba clashed with Baraba, though the keeper recovered quickly to make a save.
Mazibuko thought he had broken the deadlock in the 28th minute, but referee Thulani ‘Goje’ Sibandze disallowed the goal for offside. Before the break, Bonkhe Masika found Nkambule, but his looping header cleared the crossbar, leaving the sides level at half-time.
Moneni resumed with urgency as Sibonelo ‘Mzala’ Vilakati forced Kingsley Kwakyi into a crucial goal-line clearance with Baraba stranded.
called into action
Kwakyi was called into action again 15 minutes from time when former Moneni midfielder Innocent Pakule intervened to thwart Andile Mamba’s charge towards goal.
Just as the match appeared destined for a goalless draw, Kwakyi committed a tactical foul on Biko Sibandze outside the box, earning Pirates a late free-kick that Baraba did well to keep out.
However, as dark skies settled over Somhlolo National Stadium, Nkambule found the decisive breakthrough at the death, firing past Baraba to send the Moneni faithful into raptures and leave Qhogi’s side empty-handed.
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