NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT NSINGIZINI – ‘DU’

MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders Head Coach Dumsani ‘DU’ Makhanya is not shaken by unbeaten rookies Nsingizini Hotspurs.

The former Green Mamba mentor said in yesterday’s pre-match press conference at Sigwaca House, which houses both the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) and Premier League of Eswatini (PLE). The two sides clash tomorrow at Mavuso Sports Centre in an eye-catching MTN Premier League scheduled for 1pm. Insingizi YeZulu, as the Shiselweni-based outfit is also fondly known, has taken the country’s top flight football by storm as they bagged their maiden trophy after they were crowned the champions of the inaugural 2022 MoMo Cup two weeks back.

This was after they beat Moneni Pirates 2-1 in the finals which were played at Somhlolo National Stadium. The Gerald Phiri’s side went on to play to a 1-all draw against a vastly experienced side in Young Buffaloes, before shocking defending champions Royal Leopard 1-0 on Wednesday.
Makhanya said he was not at all concerned about the rookies’ recent results as his side was ready for the game tomorrow. “I think our preparations are going well as my players are responding very well since the week started. It is not important how they played in their previous games. What I know is we are preparing for them very hard and that there is nothing special about them,” Makhanya said.

Weaknesses

He also said they had analysed their opponents’ weaknesses and strong points. He said he was positive that they would come out victors against them.
“I must say that we have rectified our mistakes from the previous match and going forward we have to work well to get the needed points,” he said.
He further said that the duo of Philani Mkhonto and Peter Dlamini were struggling with injuries, but they started light training and was hopeful that they would be fit for the match.

Difference

His counterpart, Phiri, observed that the teams in the country were good and there was a bit of difference in the way football was played here compared to his native country, Malawi. Coming back to their match against Inkunz’emnyama tomorrow, the coach said it will be a very tough game.
“I have played back to back big teams and this week another big team. As a team we have prepared well, but I must say that this is going to be a tough one,” Phiri said. He further said that he was working on the players’ mentality as they could easily grow big heads given their unbeaten run of form which could prove disastrous as the league progressed. Phiri also confirmed the absence of their captain and midfielder Phila Dlamini due to a red card in the Leopard 1-0 win, while striker Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane is out due to injury.

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