NSINGIZINI Hotspurs’ dramatic victory over Zimbabwe’s Simba Bhora at the Somhlolo National Stadium has been hailed as a defining moment for the club, with president Derick Shiba describing the character shown as ‘enormous’.
Nsingizini left it late to level the tie, with defender Nkosingiphile Shongwe volleying home in the 90th minute to force penalties, after Simba Bhora had won the first leg 1-0 in Francistown. The local side then held their nerve from the spot, converting all four of their kicks to triumph 4-2 in the shoot-out. Reflecting on the win, Shiba praised both players and technical staff for their resilience. “It was a tough match and I’m proud of the boys because they gave everything. The character built out of this match is enormous and this team is going far,” he said.
“We were playing one of the best teams in the SADC region, but we matched them pound for pound and football was the ultimate winner. Our target remains reaching the group stages.”
Shiba added that upcoming fixtures against Mbabane Highlanders in the MTN Premier League and Kaizer Chiefs in the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup would provide the perfect preparation for their next CAF Champions League challenge against Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
Chief Executive Officer Banele Ngobe echoed his president’s sentiments, stressing the significance of the victory for Eswatini football. “This is good for the country. Simba Bhora are the defending champions of Zimbabwe and currently top their league. They have played 28 matches already, while we are yet to begin our season. For us to challenge and knock them out is a proud moment,” he said.
Nsingizini will now prepare for their second-round clash, with hopes high of making further history on the continental stage.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader | View Here
