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Noel Munzwaba
AFTER an 11th hour change of heart, Zimbabwe born Red Lions defender Talent Maphosa returned to action only to crash his decisive lottery kick against the upright, ejecting his side out of the SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup.
Just a fortnight ago Maphosa had declaredA� that he would not be returning to Lions but a change of the team leadership could have lured him back to the fold featuring for the team for the first time in more than a month.
A goalless 90 minutes saw this particular tie played at a packed Killarney Stadium in Piggs Peak against the Hebert Maruwa coached Mbabane Citizens squeeze through 4-3 after a lottery shootout.
Another Zimbabwean Tawana Chikore had opened the lottery show beating countryman Knowledge Jim with a placement to the far right to set the pace.
As Maphosa stepped up to take Lionsa�� fifth the expectations were quite overwhelming, a successful conversion could have extended matters to the sudden death but it all overweighed him smashing his kick onto the woodwork.
The victory extended Maruwaa��s unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions.
a�?We should have finished Lions off in the regulation time but let them off the hook. Nonetheless we had to do it via penalties but most importantly we need to retain our focus on doing well in this tournament,a�? said Maruwa.
Progression to the quarter finals means Maruwa will pocket 10 percent of whatever prize money as per contractual clause and with the team now assured of at least 95000 emalangeni ($7 000) he will receive a minimum of 9500 emalangeni ($700).
Meanwhile, ita��s festive season but the Zimbabwe contingent is undecided but most likely going to stay put in Swaziland. With the Premier League of Swaziland office set to close on Saturday and reopen on the 7th of January this marks a festive break.
Chikore said he was considering travelling to Harare but was not sure about the return date making it difficult for him to finalise on his plans.
Maphosa is likely going to spend Christmas with his Swazi fiance and son in Lomahasha.
Matsapha United coach, Saul Chaminuka is likely going to use the break to finalise the new deal which has been pending for two months.
@NoelMunzabwa
Online Reporter