ROOKIES NSINGIZINI STUN WINLESS LEOPARD

NHLANGANO – The bigger they come, the harder they fall against elite rookies Nsingizini Hotspurs.

From nearly beating leaders Young Buffaloes, who scored late to earn a point with a 1-all margin, they shocked star-studded defending champions Royal Leopard with a 1-0 win yesterday in an exciting MTN Premier League match played at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in Nhlangano.

Inaugural

Nsingizini have already beaten two of the country’s ‘Big 4’ teams in Manzini Wanderers in the league and Moneni Pirates in the inaugural MoMo Cup final last week. They play second-placed and yet another star-studded team in capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders next in a top-of-the-table clash as the summit beckons for both was especially if Buffaloes drop points again and one of them wins. Yesterday’s win, thanks to a strike by impressive attacking midfielder Mancoba Vilakati, who slipped past defenders Sikhumbuzo Magagula and Thami Zulu, when they appeared to have blocked his path but failed.

Dribbled

Vilakati slotted home past the advancing goalkeeper Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini, but it was all the good work of winger Thubelihle Mavuso down the right wing as he dribbled past Mabelesa into the box before picking former Highlanders striker Sibusiso Tfwala, who played one touch to Vilakati who won them the match. Leopard remain winless in four matches and with just one point after a draw and two defeats. Nsingizini on the other hand, are unbeaten after four league matches and could have easily scored more than just a goal, but good defending and goalkeeping kept them at bay.
They rose to the third spot, level on 10 points with Highlanders, while leaders Buffaloes have 11 points. Meanwhile, Leopard had the chances to bury the game especially in the first half but Lungelo Tsabedze and striker Richard Arthur were guilty of missing clear cut chances.

Missed

Arthur missed a free header and failed to take a chance at goal but tried to round the goalkeeper Sibusiso Dlamini, who was also a marvel, as he also left his area twice to stop Tsabedze and Junior Magagula. It was so close for impressive substitute Bongane ‘Ngci’ Ndzimandze, who saw his well taken edge of the box shot hit the lower end of the upright back into play, with the goalkeeper at sea. Six minutes stoppage time was added, but the rookies were resolute in defence and remained a threat in attack.

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