NSINGIZINI WORSEN DENVER’S RELEGATIONS WOES

BIG BEND – Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Nsingizini Hotspurs during an MTN Premier League match played yesterday, Denver Sundowns mathematically still have a chance to survive relegation with a game to spare.

The ambitious Shiselweni side denied Sundowns the crucial points desperately needed to retain top-league status with a first-half strike by Mayibongwe ‘Saurez’ Mabuza.
As the season’s final fixtures approach, Musa Manyatsi’s squad has plummeted to the bottom of the log after Moneni Pirates’ victory over Illovo propelled them from the depths to a safer position.Teetering on the brink, Sundowns must triumph over Manzini Wanderers, who sit three points ahead, to preserve their 15-year Premier League status, which is hanging by a thread.

A victory against their city rivals would not only be a lifeline, but also hinge on the hope that Ezulwini United can outplay Moneni Pirates. Should this scenario unfold, the relegation battle would intensify, with the triad locked on 21 points, and Sundowns’ superior goal difference and head-to-head advantage could prove decisive. On the other hand, Nsingizini’s victory yesterday cemented their top-four spot, now two points clear of fifth- placed Royal Leopard, who played to a 1-1 draw with Manzini Sea Birds. The fourth seat is worth E200 000 prize and Nsingizini still holds their fate, eyeing the runners-up spot if they win their final fixture while both Young Buffaloes and Green Mamba stumble in theirs.

Superior

Returning to the clash fixture, Sundowns were superior, but lacked the cutting edge to convert their dominance into goals. They seized the initiative in the opening minutes, with Mthokozisi ‘General’ Hlatshwako squandering a golden opportunity from Siphamandla ‘24 Reasons’ Maseko in the 20th minute. Nsingizini responded swiftly, rattling the woodwork a minute later through Yeki Khumalo, with goalkeeper Phila Mamba caught napping between the sticks.

Before the half-hour mark, Sinenkosi ‘China’ Dlamini succumbed to an ankle injury, paving the way for Suarez to step in. Four minutes on, Suarez netted the match’s sole goal, finishing a pass from Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane after a swift counter-attack. In the 36th minute, Jimoh Moses heroically cleared Yeki Khumalo’s effort off the line, maintaining a slender margin as the teams headed into the interval. Upon resumption, Sundowns mounted several offensives, but failed to breach the visitors’ defence as they seemed to have a challenge within the strikers’ department. They dictated the tempo, but could not alter their destiny, which persisted until referee Thulani Sibandze’s final whistle.

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