Nsingizini Hotspurs…………………..(2) 6
Senzo 17th, 36th, 56th, Kingsley 19th, Phiwa (OG) 68th, Daniel 75th
Msumpe Manchester…………………(1) 2
Thando 47th, Samkelo 51st
SOCCER – Nsingizini Hotspurs delivered a ruthless statement of intent in the MVA Ingwenyama Cup, dismantling Hhohho-based National First Division outfit Msumpe Manchester 6-2 in a commanding quarterfinal display at Somhlolo National Stadium, yesterday evening.
In a match that firmly underlined the gulf in quality, the Shiselweni side surged into the semi-finals to join Young Buffaloes, Green Mamba and Manzini Sea Birds, with South African striker Senzo Mbhobho Ndlovu stealing the spotlight with a clinical hat-trick.
Nsingizini wasted little time asserting control. Ndlovu opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rising highest to power home a header from a pinpoint delivery on the right flank.
Barely two minutes later, defender Kingsley Kwayki doubled the advantage with another header, punishing a static Msumpe defence.
Inside the opening 20 minutes, Nsingizini’s experience and tempo proved overwhelming. Their crisp passing and movement stretched the Hhohho side, who struggled to cope with the intensity.
However, Msumpe gradually settled, with midfielder Wakhile Malambe beginning to dictate possession and push his side higher up the pitch as the half progressed. Despite that improvement, it was Nsingizini who struck again. Ndlovu completed his brace in the 36th minute, finishing off a low cross from the lively Quality Dlamini, who had been released by Sizwe ‘Yeki’ Khumalo in a well-worked move.
Msumpe offered little in attack for most of the first half but produced a moment of brilliance in stoppage time. Defender Thando Ndwandwe stunned the over 2 000 crowd with a spectacular long-range volley from near the halfway line, catching goalkeeper Sibusiso ‘Bharaba’ Dlamini off his line to make it 3-1 at the break.
The second half resumed under sombre circumstances, with a moment of silence observed for the late Manzini Wanderers player Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule. Once play restarted, Msumpe showed renewed belief and briefly threatened a comeback.
Their hopes were ignited in the 51st minute when Samkelo Dlamini found the net, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and momentarily unsettling Nsingizini.
Memories of Msumpe’s dramatic last-16 comeback against Rangers resurfaced as they pressed forward with intent. But Nsingizini quickly restored order. Five minutes later, Ndlovu completed his hat-trick, once again dominating in the air to head home from a corner and re-establish a two-goal cushion.
From there, the Shiselweni outfit took full control. Khumalo, influential throughout, orchestrated play from the right and was instrumental in the fourth and fifth goals. In the 68th minute, his clever delivery led to a close-range finish after a goalmouth scramble involving two teammates, Manchester’s Phiwa Mkhonta found the back of the net in his own net.
Substitute Daniel Okurinmenta added further gloss to the scoreline in the 75th minute, calmly converting after another incisive pass from Khumalo to cap a dominant attacking performance.
Msumpe’s resistance faded as Nsingizini’s depth and quality off the bench took hold. The introduction of Ade Adeleke and Okurinmenta helped stabilise midfield and maintain attacking momentum, ensuring there would be no late drama.
It was a comprehensive victory that sent a clear warning to their semi-final rivals. Nsingizini Hotspurs not only progressed but did so in emphatic fashion, showcasing attacking efficiency, aerial dominance and tactical control.
