MBABANE – Nsingizini Hotspurs Head Coach Mandla Qhogi expressed his surprise at his team’s lacklustre display.
He was reacting to the 1-0 upset against Green Mamba in their MTN Premier League catch-up fixture on Wednesday. Green Mamba, the defending champions, secured the victory with a solitary goal at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in the match originally scheduled for week two.
“Our performance today was not what we usually display and I don’t know what might have caused it,” the South African coach lamented in his post-match comments. “We were a shadow of ourselves.”
He stressed that the defeat was a crucial lesson: Games are won on the pitch, not before they are played. “Unfortunately, Green Mamba wanted it the most and got it. On our side, we didn’t do enough to secure those three points,” he admitted.
Qhogi acknowledged the value of their recent TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League experience, stating the team had learnt a great deal. He confirmed their immediate goal is to defend their domestic title to ensure a return to continental interclub competition. “We’ll make sure we don’t disappoint our management and fans. We’ll push all the way to make sure we protect our crown,” the coach promised.
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‘Pupu’ eyes CAF return
MBABANE – Green Mamba’s creative midfielder Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze has made it clear that his primary goal is to help the club return to CAF competitions.
Sikhondze made the comment after netting his debut goal for the 2023/24 MTN Premier League champions in just his third game since his high-profile switch.
Last season, the former Mbabane Highlanders and Swallows star was on the books of Tabora United in Tanzania. The midfield maestro thanked the team for their faith and the opportunity to play for them.
He also expressed appreciation for the fans’ patience, noting the team had suffered a defeat and a draw leading up to Wednesday’s victory. “I think it’s the beginning of a new path and what I wish for is going back to compete in Africa, as management says,” Sikhondze stated.
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Green Mamba’s Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze (10) dribbles past Nsingizini players during their MTN Premier League game played at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium on Wednesday. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)