MBABANE – Eswatini’s finest have made an instant impact in the Zimbabwe Castle Premiership, inspiring ambitious outfit Hardrock FC to a 3–0 victory over Manica Diamonds.
The emphatic win keeps Hardrock firmly in the title hunt, maintaining pressure on league leaders Scottland FC and keeping them well within touching distance at the top of the table.
At the heart of Hardrock’s dominance was a stunning collective effort from their newly-acquired Eswatini trio, who wasted no time making their presence felt.
Midfielder Thubelihle Mavuso announced his arrival in style, opening his goalscoring account for his new employers with a pinpoint header from close range. The breakthrough goal was orchestrated by fellow countryman Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, whose brilliant setup play allowed Mavuso to break the deadlock and set the tone for the encounter.
Meanwhile, Yekisizwe Khumalo continued his dream start to life at Hardrock FC, delivering another midfield masterclass that has quickly turned him into a fan favourite. Khumalo pulled the strings in the middle of the park, showing exceptional vision to unlock the Manica Diamonds defence.
His sublime, defence-splitting pass found Prince Dube, who in turn set up brace hero Washington Navaya to seal the resounding three-goal victory.
Khumalo’s instrumental display ensured the Hardrock faithful remained firmly in the palm of his hands, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most exciting mid-season additions.
With all three Eswatini stars firing on all cylinders, Hardrock FC look increasingly like genuine title contenders. If Saturday’s thrilling performance is anything to go by, the Eswatini contingent will prove pivotal in deciding where the Castle Premiership trophy lands at the end of the season.
