SOCCER – NSINGIZINI Hotspurs captain Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini has warned that the road ahead would only become more demanding as the defending MTN Premier League champions return to the summit of the standings.
Speaking after scoring the decisive goal in Saturday’s fiercely contested clash against Manzini Sea Birds at the King Sobhuza II Stadium, the midfielder praised the supporters while emphasising the need for consistency in what he described as one of the most competitive league seasons in recent years.
“We appreciate the support we get from the supporters as this was not an easy game. They sang throughout, motivating us and they remain an integral part of this football club,” said Dlamini. He added that the team would continue working hard while calling for patience from fans as pressure mounts at the top.
Dlamini revealed that club president Derrick Shiba addressed the players before kick-off, urging them to remove emotions from their performance and focus on discipline in a match expected to be physically taxing.
“All the games we will play from now on, as we are on the summit, will be difficult because opponents will double their efforts. I am happy the league is tightly contested this season. There is basically no small team, judging by the narrow differences in points,” he said.
The Nsingizini captain believes maintaining momentum is crucial. “We need to be consistent and being on top motivates us,” he said.
Dlamini’s brilliant 76th-minute strike sealed a 1–0 victory over Sea Birds, propelling Nsingizini to 18 points after eight matches. The result highlighted the team’s resilience in a bruising encounter that produced two red cards and limited clear chances.
Top spot a motivating factor – Qhogi
SOCCER – NSINGIZINI Hotspurs head coach Mandla Qhogi insists being top of the MTN Premier League standings serves as a major motivation for his side as they continue their title defence.
Speaking after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Manzini Sea Birds at the King Sobhuza II Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Qhogi praised his team’s disciplined performance. “It is difficult to play a team on top. Sea Birds are aggressive on the wings and have the experience of Philani Mkhonto. We did not give them enough space and our pressing play helped neutralise their wing threat,” he said.
Qhogi also highlighted the pressure of leading the table. “Going on top brings pressure, but it motivates us to work even harder. Every team we play doubles their efforts against us.
“We need to maintain this position until the end of the season,” he said.
The Hluti-based side welcomed back central midfielder Phumlani ‘Pumba’ Dlamini from a lengthy injury layoff. Coming on as a late second-half substitute, ‘Pumba’s return strengthens Nsingizini’s squad, providing fresh options to manage injuries and suspensions. “He is a box-to-box midfielder and his return is timely,” Qhogi added.
The match itself was fiercely contested, with tensions boiling over before the half-hour mark when two red cards were issued following a scuffle between players. Despite the early chaos and limited clear-cut chances, Nsingizini captain Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini produced a moment of magic, scoring a sublime 35-yard strike in the 76th minute to secure the win.
The victory lifts Nsingizini to the summit with 18 points after eight matches, just two points clear of Sea Birds. Qhogi lauded the contributions of his returning and fit-again players, including Thabo Langa, whose seamless shift to centre-back following a red card to Kingsley Kwakyi proved crucial in preserving the lead.
With confidence high and the squad beginning to find rhythm, Qhogi insists Nsingizini are ready to defend their crown and fight for the title until the very end.
