Rude welcome for Milton
M. Highlanders ......... (0)1
Menzi 57th
Ns. Hotspurs ............ (0)2
Sizwe 64th , Chintuli 74th HLUME – Nsingizini Hotspurs mounted a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-1 victory against a disjointed Mbabane Highlanders.
New Highlanders Coach, Milton Dlamini, had to watch from the stands due to paperwork issues, witnessing his side being tormented by the youthful Shiselweni team in a game that drew over 300 fans. The substitutes, Sizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo and Nyasha Chintuli, broke not only the new coach’s heart but also that of the home fans by scoring the two winning goals. Earlier, the ‘Black Bull’ had opened the scoring three minutes before the hour mark when Menzi Sithole tapped in a Philani Mkhonto cross.
MDROPPED
The win propelled the Alexio Sigion-led charges to the fifth spot with 32 points after 20 games, while Highlanders dropped to the sixth spot with 29 points after the same number of games.
This loss for Highlanders added salt to an already hurting wound following their 3-0 loss to arch-rivals Mbabane Swallows in the Ingwenyama Cup semifinals. The loss was particularly stinging as last season they had secured victories over Nsingizini in both the first and second round, only to falter this time. In the first round this current season, this fi[ture ended in a 1-all draw.
The fifth loss for Highlanders will undoubtedly make it challenging for Milton Dlamini to settle in, as the ‘Bull’ fans expect nothing but results.
A number of fans voiced their grievances in the recent team meeting, expressing their desire for the team to return to winning ways, with
MAN OF THE MATCH
Sizwe Khumalo - Nsingizini Hotspurs: “He not only scored the equaliser but also orchestrated his team’s play. He was SURfiFient Rn the Eall diVtUiEuted good build-up passes in the middle of the park, and complemented well with Thubelihle Mavuso, who also performed admirably.”
some even calling for Director Ally Kgomongwe to resign. The boss, after the meeting had to clarify that he was not stepping down, as the majority wanted him to stay and called for calm among the team loyalists ahead of this clash.
DOMINATING
Regarding the game itself, it was a tale of two halves, with Highlanders dominating the first half but squandering a couple of chances with Sithole and Kenneth Moloto being the culprits. In the second half, the hosts continued to pile on the pressure and eventually broke the deadlock, thanks to Sithole, who finished off a well-timed cross from the hardworking Mkhonto, three minutes before the hour mark, beating Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Dlamini across the sticks.
The goal seemed to energise the visitors, as they started to attack in droves and eventually restored parity four minutes after the hour mark. Sizwe Khumalo capitalised on Highlanders’ poor buildup play, unleashing a volley from 40 yards out to beat the goalkeeper, Khanyakezwe Shabalala hands down. Insingizini Yezulu appeared to be firing on all cylinders as they Àooded Highlanders’ danger zone in numbers.
They eventually found the winner 16 minutes before full-time, with Zimbabwean import Chintuli scoring his fourth league goal by taking on defenders on the right Àank and unleashing a powerful shot that Àew past Shabalala, provoking contrasting emotions between the two sets of fans.
MBABANE – The annual 2024 Zone VI Water Utility Games, hosted by the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), got off to an exciting start on Friday.
The recurring Easter holiday event was held at the Mavuso Sports Centre, where various sports games were played. The opening ceremony kicked off with a spectacular march led by the EWSC cheerleaders, accompanied by the vibrant melodies of the police band. Representatives from each participating country followed, contributing to the colourful spectacle. The procession symbolised the unity and diversity of the event, setting the stage for an exciting and inclusive celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
EWSC Managing Director
Jabulile Mashwama shared that the Corporation is hosting over 570 employees from the three utilities, who would engage in various sporting events and networking sessions to further strengthen bonds and deepen relationships among water utility professionals. “We encourage EWSC to keep the cup at home, and I want to reveal that we have been using the hashtag #Ayijiki to motivate our teams to retain the championship title” she said.