Perfect birthday present for Nsingizini boss

MAN OF THE MATCH:

M.Sea Birds ………… ...(0)0 N.Hotspurs …………… .(1)1 Thubelihle 17th

NHLANGANO – Nsingizini Hotspurs have presented their boss with a delightful birthday gift, following a 1-0 victory over Manzini Sea Birds yesterday.

Thanks to an early goal by the skilful and lightning-fast midfielder Thubelihle Mavuso.

Nsingizini not only climbed one spot on the chart with 24 points, but also brought a wide smile to their boss, Derick Shiba, who was celebrating his birthday yesterday.

Expressing his excitement about the win, Shiba described it as the perfect birthday present. He could not have asked for more from the team on his special day.

On the other hand, Sea Birds remained stuck in ninth place with 19 points after 16 games.

The Sibusiso Mngometulu-led charges received a setback after this defeat, just when they seemed to be turning the corner following a 2-1 win over Denver Sundowns last weekend. The match displayed a tale of two halves, with Nsingizini dominating the first half while Sea Birds attempted to catch up in the

“Consistency defines Mavuso. He is always a marvel to watch in the middle of the park. Today, besides scoring the winning goal, he showcased excellent ball control, dictated Nsingizini’s play, and delivered precise final passes.

final half.

The Shiselweni-based side came close to breaking the deadlock within five minutes when their new Zimbabwe-born signing, Nyasha Chintuli, was denied by the woodwork. About 10 minutes before the half-hour mark, Mavuso found the net from close range, eluding goalkeeper Lindeni Mtseftwa.

Opportunity

Chintuli had an opportunity to do better with a free kick just before halftime, but his shot narrowly missed the target. After the restart, the home side came close to equalising, but Muzi Tsabedze squandered a golden opportunity, failing to convert a oneon-one chance against goalkeeper Sibusiso ‘Bharaba’ Dlamini, with an easily saved shot 10 minutes into the second half.

In the hour mark, Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza nearly doubled the lead with a powerful volley, but the goalkeeper made a remarkable save. The hosts attempted to mount pressure

Thubelihle Mavuso - Nsingizini Hotspurs (Pic: Mengameli Mabuza) Manzini Sea Birds defender Sanele ‘ Abidal ‘ Mkhweli (R) successfully cleared the ball away from Nsingizini Hotspurs midfielder Sinenkosi ‘China’ Dlamini during yesterday’s MTN Premier League game at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium. Nsingizini won the game 1-0.

(File”p‡ic) Veteran forward Musa Dlamini has completed a surprise loan move to NFD side Pigg’s Peak Rangers.