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KWAKHE LEADS NSINGIZINI TO VICTORY ON DEBUT

By Melusi Mlotsa | 2025-02-03

Young Buffaloes ……………... (0)0
Nsingizini Hotspurs ……..….. (0)1
Soccer - Nsingizini Hotspurs' new signing Kwakhe Thwala wasted no time making an impact, scoring the decisive goal at Mayaluka Stadium yesterday to maintain his team's dominance over Young Buffaloes.

The former Mbabane Swallows duo of Ayanda Gadlela and Kwakhe made their debuts for the Shiselweni-based side, while Khanyakwezwe Shabalala also got his long-awaited start.

Thwala, who joined Hotspurs after a drawn-out transfer saga, proved he was worth the wait, delivering a performance that justified the club’s persistence in securing his signature.

Buffaloes, on the other hand, featured the likes of Leon ‘Schuster’ Manyisa and Siphosethu Mabilisa as coach Dominic Kunene’s troops looked to end their frustrating winless run against the visitors.

The first real chance of the match came in the 5th minute when Sizwe ‘Yeki’ Khumalo unleashed a powerful shot, only for Young Buffaloes goalkeeper Mlungisi Nxumalo to produce a fine save.
The hosts quickly responded, but Lizwe Zwane’s goal was ruled offside by the second assistant referee.

By halftime, neither side had managed to break the deadlock, setting the stage for an intense second half.

However, the tide turned early in the second half when Buffaloes were reduced to 10 men.
Lizwe Zwane received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Nsingizini’s Nkosingiphile Shongwe, handing the visitors an advantage.

Sensing an opportunity, Nsingizini ramped up their attacks. In the 58th minute, Gadlela pounced on a loose ball from Machawe Gamedze but could only find the side netting.

Three minutes later, the breakthrough finally came.
Kwakhe latched onto a pass and clinically finished at the near post to put Nsingizini in the lead. Desperate to find the equaliser, Buffaloes made a flurry of substitutions, but their lack of precision in the final third continued to haunt them.

Their night went from bad to worse in the 90th minute when Siboniso ‘Gaxa’ Ngwenya was sent off for another reckless challenge on a Nsingizini defender, reducing the hosts to nine men.

At the final whistle, emotions ran high as Buffaloes officials confronted the match officials, forcing security to escort them off the field. It was a memorable night for Kwakhe and Nsingizini Hotspurs, while Buffaloes were left to rue missed chances and costly indiscipline.

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