Nsingizini out, Madlenya promoted!
Manchester .......... (0)1
Lundie 90th
N. Hotspurs .......... (2)3
Mayibongwe 15th, Meshack 18th (penalty), 49th
PIGG’S PEAK - It is a case of too little too late for prominent National First Division side Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Despite beating Msumpe Manchester 3-1 away, their hopes of gaining promotion to the Premier league were officially dashed yesterday. The result of yesterday’s match played at Killarney Sports Ground in Pigg’s Peak proved to be dead rubber for Hotspurs, after fellow promotion hopefuls in Madlenya and Black Swallows had good outings.
The former, who occupy the last promotion spot, made light work of relegated Umbelebele with a 4-1 win to finally win promotion to the Premier League, following several failed bids. In fact Madlenya are the oldest team in the National First Division.
With a game to spare, Madlenya are now on 46 points while Hotspurs are on 41. In essence, the
MAN OF THE MATCH
Meshack Lushaba (N. Hotspurs): His experience was vital as he took the responsibility when they were given a penalty and he scored the second goal. He added numbers when the team was attacking and also helped when the side was defending.
latter will finish outside the promotion places (top two) even if they beat relegated side Mhlume Peacemakers in their final game tomorrow. For Black Swallows who are third with 43 points, it was a case of so near yet so far, as they can only finish third even if they win their last game against Ludzeludze Killers.
Leaders
This is because the Lubombo-based side enjoy a better headto-head and they will remain ahead even if they lose to Young Movers this weekend. Following yesterday’s results, the two teams that have been promoted to the Premier League are leaders Seven Dreams and Madlenya. The two sides are separated by two points ahead of the decisive games and they are both in contention for the title.
Back to Hotspurs’ game yesterday; they returned to winning ways after they lost 1-2 to second placed Madlenya two weeks back at KaLanga Technical Centre. It was the Siza ‘King Pele’ Dlamini led side that opened the floodgates through youngster Mayibongwe ‘Saurez ‘ Dlamini, who headed home unmarked from a Sambulo ‘Masoso’ corner-kick, 15 minutes into the game.
Izinyoni zeZulu added the second goal, through brace hero, in former Moneni Pirates player Meshack Lushaba three minutes later. This was after Hassan Balogun was hacked inside the box and Lushaba took the responsibility to channel the ball in the net.
Lushaba completed his brace five minutes into the second half. He buried the ball into the net from a ‘Saurez’ pass. The host got the consolation goal at the stroke of full-time, through Lundie Dlamini who forced his way into the net from a tight angle. The result saw Nsingizini climbing to position three with 41 points with a game to play in the season. The Msumpe-based side now need to win their last match to survive relegation.