Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini absence to test Hardrock’s depth in crucial Dynamos tie

The absence of Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini is set to provide a critical test to Hardrock FC’s depth when they face Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday, in a match that could potentially have a contribution in determining where the PSL title ends up.

Dlamini has been ever-present at Hardrock FC, having played all the matches for the ambitious Kwekwe outfit since his arrival. His absence due to suspension ultimately provides a critical test to Kelvin Kaindu and his team’s depth, to see if they are able to fill in the void that Dlamini will leave.

Dlamini  will miss this match due to suspension, having accumulated the maximum number of yellow cards in consecutive matches. The Eswatini international has proved to be a vital cog, arguably the best signing for the 2026 season in the PSL, having established himself due to his immense work rate and ability to score long-range goals.

On Saturday last week, Dlamini scored arguably the best goal scored this season with a long-range strike to ensure Hardrock FC win 2-0 over Bulawayo Chiefs.

WHO WILL FILL NELISWA ‘TIGER’ DLAMINI’S VOID?

Eswatini duo of Yekhisizwe Khumalo and Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini during a match at Chahwanda Stadium. Picture by Hardrock FC

It will be interesting to see how Kevin Kaindu will line up his team to fill the void that Dlamini leaves due to his suspension. Hardrock FC has got quite a number of big-named players in the midfield, among them Donald Mudadi, Munashe Bamala, and Dlamini’s international teammate Yekhisizwe Khumalo.

All these players could fill in the void, but it remains to be seen if they will have the immense work rate that Dlamini has shown throughout the season.

While Hardrock FC sit at a two-point cushion ahead of Scotland who have 61 points in the PSL, matches like this against Dynamos have the potential of derailing their plans. Also, it will be interesting, how Kaindu will approach this match as they are on top of the table at this critical moment.

“It’s not easy to be at the top at this stage of the season but we are hoping to do our best. Like I said in the previous times that our goal is to remain in the PSL and everything that is going to come is a bonus for us and we are hoping that our boys will keep this spirit of winning matches at this very critical time so that we end the season on a respectable note,” Kaindu said.

The first leg between Dynamos and Hardrock FC was played at Chahwanda Stadium and abandoned with a few minutes left due to crowd trouble. It was finished off at Baobab Stadium in Ngezi where Dynamos walked away with maximum points with a 2-1 win over the Kwekwe-based side.

Hardrock FC against Dynamos at Chahwanda Stadium. Picture by Fanzone

DESPERATE TIMES FOR BOTH DYNAMOS AND HARDROCK IN PSL HOME STRETCH

However, this is a different Hardrock FC, they have been cruising nicely accounting for seven straight wins. It will also be interesting to see if they have the character and mental pedigree to navigate this usually nerve-wrenching final home stretch.

Dynamos themselves are fighting for a top-four finish and will be hoping to capitalise on home advantage and account for maximum points. It is in this picture that Kaindu would have wanted to have Dlamini in the first team, considering his work rate and his ability to score from range, especially when playing against teams that deploy a high line in defence like Dynamos.

Dlamini is among eight players suspended, alongside Praise Muchengete of Ngezi Platinum Stars, Royn Nyamono of Highlanders FC, Brian Kusinyeri of ZPC Kariba FC, Kevin Moyo of Scottland FC, Pascal Shumbaimwe of Manica Diamonds FC, Kudakwashe Nyakudanga of TelOne FC and Garikayi Dematsika of FC Platinum.

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