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Tambuti who were in the drop zone heading into yesterday’s beat Tinyosi 2-1 win to relegate Milling.
Boasting the youngest Chairman in the league in 27-year-old Sabelo Mavimbela, the relegated Manzini-based side (Hot Spurs) who were promoted to the elite league in 2019 are no ordinary side. They were inaugural Eswatini league champions of the league in 1971. They defended their league title the following season in 1972, which was 50 years ago. In their first season (2019/20), which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, they finished ninth with 19 points. They finished last season in the top eight after finishing ranked seventh position with 37 points.
Back to the match, Milling opened the scoreboard against the run of play seven minutes after the hour-mark, thanks to Khulekani Fakudze, who blasted home from close range. He received a good pass from Njabuliso Tfwala, who cut nicely and delivered a well weighted cross on the path of Fakudze. He made no mistake, as he let fly a cracker that left goalkeeper Mlungisi Mamba with no choice, but watched the ball kissing the back of the net.
The Gcina Dlamini-led side responded with an equaliser a minute into added time through Thabo Langa. He caught Milling Hot Spurs goalkeeper Sifiso napping with a 35 yard drive, which rested at the back of the net. The second half was much better than the first stanza, as both sides created a host of chances but poor finishing was their major let down. When referee Leticia Vienna blew her final whistle, Hot Spurs’ worst fears were confirmed. The end of proceedings signalled the end of their three-year stay in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, in the three-horse race for the top six; Manzini Wanderers twice came from behind in a 2-all draw with Green Mamba to shake off competition from neighbours Manzini Sea Birds, as well as Vovovo. Both Vovovo and Sea Birds were held to stalemates by Rangers (0-0) and Hot Spurs (1-1), respectively, to miss out on getting prize money in the Premier League. Only the top six get prizes in the Premier League and the last prize goes to Wanderers who will claim E75 000.