MBABANE – Eswatini midfielder Thubelihle ‘Thube’ Mavuso delivered a crucial contribution to Hardrock’s title charge, scoring the equaliser in a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over MWOS.
The pulsating encounter was staged at Chahwanda Stadium on Sunday, October 25.
With Hardrock trailing by two goals, Mavuso struck in the 75th minute to level matters, finishing clinically after Washington Navaya supplied an excellent pass. His goal revived the title-chasing debutants before Munashe Bamara completed the turnaround with a winner two minutes from the end of regulation time.
The victory extended Hardrock’s winning streak to nine league matches and moved them closer to a maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
Mavuso’s contribution came as Hardrock fought back from a difficult position against an impressive MWOS side. Gerald Takwara had pulled one goal back on the hour mark before the Eswatini international restored parity.
The midfielder has now scored at least two goals since joining the Zimbabwean club about four months ago, adding to the growing Eswatini presence in the Hardrock squad.
Mavuso was among three Eswatini players named in coach Kelvin Kaindu’s starting line-up, alongside Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini and Yeki ‘Madumane’ Khumalo.
While Khumalo was substituted after playing for more than 50 minutes, Mavuso and Dlamini completed the encounter. Dlamini was making his return after suspension, having missed the previous match.
The fourth Eswatini player at the club, Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane, missed the match as he continues recovering from injury.
Hardrock’s victory leaves them eight points clear at the top of the standings, although defending champions Scottland have two games in hand.
The league leaders need to overcome former champions Simba Bhora and Platinum in their remaining fixtures to strengthen their bid for the championship.
Scottland, meanwhile, face CAPS United, Chicken Inn, Herentals and Triangle. They need maximum points from their remaining four matches while hoping Hardrock drop points.
As per Soccer24 Zimbabwe, Scottland have reportedly parted ways with Coach Norman Mapeza following their exit from the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, with club legend Peter Ndlovu expected to take charge on an interim basis until the end of the season.
Eswatini defender Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala remains contracted to Scottland.
Meanwhile, Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso’s Agama boosted their survival hopes with a 3-2 victory over TelOne, easing their relegation worries.
The win leaves Agama two points behind Kariba, who have collected 33 points from 32 matches, as the battle to avoid relegation intensifies.
