Nsingizini Hotspurs …………….. (1) 4
Ndlovu 33rd, Skomota 46th, Yeki 69th, Gadlela 87th
Mbabane Highlanders ………. (2) 2
Cele 16th, Siyabonga 44th
SOCCER – Defending MTN Premier League champions Nsingizini Hotspurs twice came from behind to brush aside a spirited Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 in a tension-filled clash at King Sobhuza II Stadium.
It was an entertaining end-to-end game that even the rain-soaked artificial turf did not dampen. Though the conditions compromised the quality of football at times with unintentional bone-crunching challenges, the over 1 000 fans who converged at the venue were left entertained.
The Nsingizini comeback was spearheaded by God’s gift to local football, Yeki ‘Madumane’ Khumalo. The midfielder bossed the midfield with deft touches and penetrating passes and capped a brilliant afternoon with a well-taken free kick.
The result means Nsingizini have opened a five-point lead at the summit of the MTN Premier League standings after nearest challengers Young Buffaloes dropped points in a 1-all draw against Royal Leopards at Mayaluka Stadium.
Visitors Highlanders were first to draw blood through the impressive Sphiwe Cele. The South African winger opened the scoring in the 16th minute, curling the ball over Khanyakwezwe Shabalala after finding space at the back post.
Senzo Ndlovu had a glancing header in the 24th minute that produced an acrobatic save from goalkeeper Senzo Maseko from an inch-perfect Thubelihle Mavuso free kick as Nsingizini sought a quick response.
Moments later, Siyabonga Mkhontfo beat Vuyo Macina to the ball but shot narrowly wide with goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe to beat.
However, there was no denying Ndlovu three minutes after the half-hour mark as he toe-poked home from close range. Highlanders failed to clear their lines from what looked like a non-threatening corner by Thubelihle and the former South Africa’s AmaZulu striker levelled matters.
Highlanders restored their lead a minute before half-time through an in-form Siyabonga Mkhontfo strike from the edge of the box.
At the stroke of half-time, Ndlovu had a shot ricocheting against the upright with goalkeeper Maseko beaten as Highlanders survived the scare to go to the break with a razor-thin lead.
ALSO READ | SIHLANGU RETURN TO SOMHLOLO
Nkosingiphile ‘Skomota’ Shongwe levelled matters with a wondrous volley from outside the box that flew straight into the top corner in the opening minute of the second half.
From here, the Nsingizini comeback gathered momentum.
Neat build-up play by Highlanders saw Nkosivumile Zulu break through on goal, but the South African forward’s strike was tipped over the bar by Khanyakwezwe for a fruitless corner in the 50th minute.
In the 58th minute, Cele weaved past defenders on the left flank with the ball finding its way to Siphamandla Maseko, but the Highlanders captain’s thunderous effort from outside the box missed the target by a whisker.
Yeki ‘Madumane’ Khumalo put Nsingizini in front for the first time in the match with a 69th-minute free kick. Thubelihle was fouled just outside the box and the reigning MTN Premier League Player of the Season stepped up to curl the ball over the wall and into the net.
Second-half substitute Ayanda Gadlela ensured maximum points, finishing the contest with a towering header from a Thubelihle cross on the left with three minutes of regulation time remaining.
After 18 league matches, Nsingizini look well on course to defend their title and this performance was that of champions — determined, resilient and with swagger.
It was the perfect Valentine for Nsingizini and their faithful.
