By Siphesihle Dlamini
E630,000 richer!
Reigning Premier League Champions Nsingizini Hotspurs have emerged triumphant in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup 2025, pocketing a handsome prize of E630,000 after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Correctional Services Green Mamba at the lively Mavuso Trade Centre on Sunday.
Despite their valiant efforts, Green Mamba had to settle for second place and a consolation prize of E320,000. The match began with both teams evenly matched in possession, each probing for weaknesses but cautious in their approach. Nsingizini Hotspurs, however, appeared more comfortable on the ball and created several promising opportunities, though their final decisions in the attacking third initially lacked the necessary precision to break the deadlock.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when the young Nsingizini sensation, Quality Dlamini, stepped up to deliver a moment of magic. Awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area, Dlamini unleashed a perfectly executed shot that curled beautifully into the bottom corner of the net, leaving Green Mamba’s goalkeeper, Xolani Gama, stretched. What a hit. The strike was reminiscent of Lionel Messi’s trademark free-kick style.
This goal served as a wake-up call for Green Mamba, who immediately intensified their efforts to level the score. The pendulum swung back and forth as both teams battled fiercely, but Nsingizini Hotspurs managed to maintain their momentum. A critical
moment arrived in the 32nd minute when Green Mamba appeared to have found the equaliser, only for Mncedisi Dlamini to heroically clear the ball off the goal line, preserving iNsingizini YeZulu’s slender advantage.
At the stroke of half-time, Green Mamba’s Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo was presented with a golden opportunity after receiving a precise through pass from Siyabonga ‘Gusheshe’ Zwane. Unfortunately for the visitors, ‘Xavi’ failed to capitalise, sending his shot wide and missing a chance to bring the game back to parity.
The second half began at a slower pace, with both teams jockeying for control in midfield but showing limited attacking intent. Around the hour mark, Green Mamba’s ‘Xavi’ once again threatened the Nsingizini defence with a dangerous cross, but no teammate was able to connect and convert the chance.
Tensions escalated when ‘Xavi’ was seemingly pulled down inside the penalty box, prompting loud appeals from the Green Mamba faithful for a penalty. However, the referee waved play on, denying the visitors a spot-kick. Subsequently, Green Mamba captain Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa fired a shot that was comfortably gathered by Nsingizini’s goalkeeper, Sibusiso Dlamini.
Minutes wound down, Green Mamba increased the pressure, desperate to find an equaliser. The fourth official signalled five minutes of stoppage time, but despite their best efforts, the visitors could not break through the resolute Nsingizini defence. When the final whistle blew, it confirmed Nsingizini Hotspurs as the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup 2025 champions.
