MANZINI — Talk about signing off in style.
Captain Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, a leader until his very last breath in a Nsingizini shirt, rose above the fray to head home the winning goal, steering Nsingizini Hotspurs into the Ingwenyama Cup Last 16. The victory came at the expense of a spirited National First Division side, Viva Stumbo XI, in a pulsating encounter at the Mavuso Sports Centre.
With that decisive header, Tiger did more than just win a football match, he secured his future.
It was a case of two deals in one afternoon: progress in the cup and the confirmation of a two-year mega-contract with Zimbabwe Premier League side Hardrock FC. The move was officially announced by Nsingizini’s President Derrick Shiba shortly after the final whistle.
The deal, which sources close to the club believe is worth nearly E1 million, will see ‘Tiger’ reunite with former teammate Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane, who recently joined Hardrock on a similar two-year agreement.
President Shiba described the transfer as one of the most expensive outgoing deals in the club’s history. Tiger now joins an elite list of players exported abroad under Shiba’s tenure, including Kwakhe Thwala (Scotland FC) and Joel Madondo (Richards Bay).
For Tiger, it was a farewell written in the stars. “I’m grateful for the platform Nsingizini gave me,” he said. “I’ll represent the club and the country with pride.”
This maiden Ingwenyama Cup meeting between the two sides drew a crowd of over 1 000, with Viva Stumbo XI backed by a vocal travelling support. Under the guidance of the experienced Botsotso Khoza, the NFD outfit played without fear, matching the elite league champions stride for stride in the opening exchanges.
While Viva threatened early through Simphiwe Mabuza, they lacked a clinical edge. Nsingizini, however, made their pressure count on the half-hour mark. New signing Daniel Okunrinmeta, formerly of M Tigers, tapped home from close range following a pinpoint pass from Quality Dlamini. He celebrated with a trademark Cristiano Ronaldo flourish, as the favourites took the lead.
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‘Tiger’ celebrates after scoring the winner. (Pic: Sanele Jele)