Nsingizini hijack title race
SChintuli 8 th , ‘Masoso’61 st , Mphotho 90+2 ITEKI – Nsingizini Hotspurs recorded their first win against giants Manzini Wanderers, defeating them 3-0 during an MTN Premier League match played at the KaLanga Technical Centre yesterday.
The Shiselweni-based team had not beaten the maroon and white outfit in their three previous meetings. In the 270 minutes they had played, Wanderers had won once, and two matches ended in a draw.
Nyasha Chintuli and Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane’s unanswered strikes got them their first against the opponents and extended their unbeaten league run this year to eight games. This victory also maintained their fifth spot with 35 points.
However, Wanderers could have pulled one back from the spot kick, but Banele ‘Banny’ Mdluli missed it. The defeat meant their relegation survival struggles continued with five games to spare. They had looked to breathe a sigh of relief in the previous match when they defeated Rangers to be two places above the drop zone. They are now back in it, perched 13th on the standings with 17 points.
The hosts could have done better, especially during the first half, but failed to convert their scoring opportunities.
Nevertheless, Hotspurs were quick to convert their chances into goals during the first stanza.
Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza bent the ball from the right flank to meet Chintuli, who gave them the lead. Wanderers failed to deal with the cross, which the Zimbabwean met with a low volley to frustrate the opponents early.
The ‘Weslians’ maintained their nerve and never took their foot off the pedal, launching attacks in a bid to regain parity. Previous game hero Ndumiso Dlamini was blocked from close range in the 19th minute as Wanderers were lively on the right flank.
EXPLOITED
Nsingizini exploited them in the midfield, which was marshalled by veteran Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule, as Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze and Lindelwa Dludlu were not part of yesterday’s squad. The game eventually balanced out with Wanderers solidified in defence but failed to convert some opportunities which could have levelled the match even before half-time.
After the restart, the game livened up following a triple substitution by Alexion Sigion at the hour mark. He brought in the fresh legs of ‘Masoso’, Lwazi Bhembe, and Mavela Dlamini, withdrawing Nyasha, Alvin Shabashie, and Sizwe ‘Yeki’ Khumalo.
A minute later, ‘Masoso’ doubled the lead for his side with a curling shot that troubled Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza. He scored shortly after his introduction with an assist from Sinenkhosi ‘China’ Dlamini, who was later substituted. He could have opened his account in the 66th minute, but his effort rolled over the bar after cutting loose from Wanderers’ defence.
Meanwhile, Siphamandla Dhlamini created a chance for Wanderers to reduce the deficit in the 74th minute. Ncamiso Thwala tripped the skilful winger inside the box, prompting referee Ntokozo Khoza to award them a penalty. Last month’s Premier League finest player, Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Dlamini, calmly grabbed ‘Banny’s shot from the spot kick.
When the game seemed destined to end at 2-0, Hotspurs added another goal. Mncedisi ‘Mphotho’ Dlamini registered his name on the score sheet just at the referee’s additional time with Lwazi Bhembe providing an assist. The former Wanderers defender unleashed a powerful shot that sealed the score at three goals as they bagged their third consecutive maximum points.