MBABANE– Talk about an early reunion!
Former Nsingizini Hotspurs stars Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala, Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane and Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini are set to face off this Sunday at the Chahwanda Stadium. While they once shared the pitch for the Eswatini reigning champions, they now find themselves on opposite sides for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening round in Castle Premier Soccer League in Zimbabwe.
Kwakhe, the former Mbabane Swallows Captain, arrives at the clash with momentum on his side. Having recently joined the defending Zimbabwean champions, Scottland FC, he has already secured his first piece of silverware in that country. Scottland enter the league campaign in formidable form, having recently dismantled Dynamos 5-0 to claim the Castle Challenge Cup.
In contrast, Simelane and Dlamini have signed with the league’s ambitious newcomers, Hardrock Football Club. The match will serve as a historic clash for the rookies, coinciding with the official launch of their state-of-the-art stadium, with kick-off penned for 3pm.
The weekend also marks a significant milestone for another local star. Former Mbabane Swallows Captain Philiso 'Strong' Newman, who is on the books of Agama FC, is set to make his Zimbabwean football debut against Caps United. That encounter is scheduled for Sunday at the iconic Rufaro Stadium.
The migration of top Eswatini talent to the Zimbabwe top flight has not gone unnoticed. Former Manzini Wanderers and Kaizer Chiefs legendary goalkeeper William ‘Cool Cat’ Shongwe believes the move is a testament to the league's rising profile.
Shongwe noted that Zimbabwean football has grown in leaps and bounds professionally. He remarked that the quality of players is showing remarkable strength and pointed to the number of players moving from the region to Europe and other global leagues as evidence that it is a good route to travel through.
(L-R) Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala, ex-Nsingizini Hotspurs striker Sambulo 'Masoso' Simelane and Former Nsingizini Hotspurs Captain Neliswa 'Tiger' Dlamini spotting Hardrock FC third kit.