Mamba poison Nsingizini Hotspurs

By Sibusiso Masilela
Nsingizini Hotspurs……… (0) 0,
Green Mamba……………… (1) 1,
Banele Sikhondze 31st

From Tanzania with love.

Green Mamba’s new signing, Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, restored his club venom with a solitary strike that stunned Nsingizini Hotspurs at King Sobhuza II Stadium in Nhlangano on Wednesday.

This was Sikhondze’s second game after leaving Tanzania’sTabora United handing the defending champions their first defeat of the campaign following their CAF Champions League run.

The victory also helped ‘Inyoka Eluhlazana’ return to winning ways following their recent goalless draw against rookies Amawele FC.
The two teams gave over 500 football lovers a performance worth the E30 with an end-to-end affair.

The home side asked the early questions from the visitors nine minutes into action when a Kwakhe Tfwala was saved by the alert Siyabonga Simelane between the opposition goals.

Green Mamba talisman Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa called Nsingizini goalkeeper Sibusiso ‘Bharaba’ Dlamini to action in the 25th minute with a glancing header from Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze.

Sikhondze then broke the deadlock five minutes later with a rasping shot from 25 yards, which ‘ Bharaba ‘ failed to handle as the ball went into the net, much to the delight of the motley visiting fans.

Green Mamba enjoyed a slender lead heading to the break.

Nsingizini tried to force their way into the match during the second stanza, with playmaker Thubelihle Mavuso well taken shot from the edge of the box being swallowed by Siyabonga Simelane.

Ayanda Gadlela should have done better in the hour mark when his effort was saved by the alert Simelane.

Green Mamba second-half substitute Lindani ‘ Rio’ Matsenjwa missed a sitter four minutes later when he fired his effort wide four minutes later.

The Correctional Services side finished the match with 10 men after centre back Peter ‘Dlamini was given marching orders for a second bookable offence by referee Wandile Mamba at the stroke of death.

The ex-Mbabane Highlanders player launched a rough challenge on South African left-back Njabulo Macina.