Africa-Press – Eswatini. NSINGIZINI Hotspurs President Derrick Shiba got a perfect birthday present as he witnessed his team claim a well-earned 1-0 over Manzini Sea Birds yesterday.
This was during an MTN Premier League match played at King Sobhuza II Stadium and as usual, the Shiselweni-based ensemble’s fans came in numbers to support their team.
It was a confident display from the opening minutes as Insingizi Yezulu dictated terms.
The players seemed to have also been buoyed by the presence of the president, as they started the match like a house on fire.
All that hard work and running eventually paid off in the 20th minute when dribbling wizard, Thubelihle Mavuso broke the deadlock. Some smart, quick inter -passing with Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza put the midfielder through on goal and he made no mistake to put his team ahead.
Hotspurs could have doubled their lead three minutes later when ‘Suarez’ and Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane missed their chance.
Next was Nyasha Chintuli who also squandered his chance after failing to get on the end of a clever setpiece from Thubelihle.
The closing minutes of the first half saw Hotspurs try to double their advantage as Sea Birds held out until half time. The hub based side in the second half came back with guns blazing as skipper Muzi Tsabedze took a shot that was, however, dealt with by goalkeeper Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Dlamini.
Both sides made changes as the half progressed. Hotspurs’ Suarez was againt denied after coming face-to-face with the goalkeeper.
Sea Birds’ Mthokozisi Gwebu had a half chance from a header in the 70th minute but he directed his effort over the bar.
The closing minutes were a more balanced affair as both sides stepped up a gear. Sea Birds went down to 10 men in the 79th minute after Joseph Kibonge was shown a straight red for a dangerous high tackle on Ncamiso Thwala.
Hotspurs protected their lead until the final whistle.
This win marked a special day for Nsingizini Hotspurs’ for President Derrick Shiba, who was turning a year older.
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