Mbabane — Nsingizini Hotspurs delivered a commanding performance to hand Malanti Chiefs their first MTN Premier League defeat of the season, winning 3–0 at Killarney Sports Ground in a clash that left Malanti head coach Sreten Pavlovic admitting his side had been outplayed.
The result, driven by captain Neliswa “Tiger” Dlamini’s brace and a clinical finish from Joel Madondo, marked Hotspurs’ strong response after their recent setback against Tambankulu Celtics and pushed the defending champions back into the title conversation. For Malanti, the defeat ended their unbeaten run and served as Pavlovic’s first league loss since taking charge.
Hotspurs set the tone early but both sides approached the opening stages cautiously. The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Dlamini connected with a tantalising Mkhotja delivery to head home the opener. Three minutes later, Madondo punished Malanti again, rifling in a long-range effort after spotting an opportunity inside the box.
Malanti struggled to regain momentum as Hotspurs tightened their control. Dlamini completed his brace in the 53rd minute, climbing highest to meet a set-piece and guiding the ball past goalkeeper Sibusiso Thwala to seal a dominant 3–0 lead.
Hotspurs’ rhythm was briefly disrupted when Dlamini was forced off in the 60th minute due to a head injury, but the champions held their structure. Malanti introduced several substitutions in search of a comeback, and veteran striker Sandile Hlatshwako almost pulled one back with a close-range header that struck the side of the post in the 63rd minute.
After the match, Pavlovic conceded that preparation and experience made the difference.“The better team won on the day and well done to them,” he said. “We conceded a soft goal and the second one really hurt our confidence. Hotspurs had plenty of time to prepare in pre-season, and their CAF experience boosted their performance. We will go back to the drawing board and prepare for Sunday.”
Hotspurs coach Mandla Qhogi praised his side’s mentality after recent challenges.“I told the boys that they are joint champions of our recent tournament in South Africa, so they can’t come back and lose,” he said. “I’m happy we managed to get the win, and we will build on this result.”
The victory lifted Hotspurs into second place with 12 points, while Malanti remained fifth with nine, and now face the task of regrouping after their first taste of defeat this season.
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