Moneni ‘Sea Robbers’ drown Highlanders
M. Pirates …………… (1)2 Simanga 27th, Owenkhosi 78th
M. Highlanders ..... (0)0
KWALUSENI – Just like their senior teams who clash tomorrow at Mhlume, Moneni Pirates juniors were the victorious against Mbabane Highlanders in the inaugural PLE Under-19 League.
PLE denotes Premier League of Eswatini. This was during one of the triple-header matches at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Sports Ground, Kwaluseni Campus. Pirates proved 2-0 better than their counterparts, whose senior team has also struggled to beat Pirates in recent times, including last season in the MTN Premier League, as well as the current one. The senior teams played 1-0 in the MTN Premier League first round this season and meet again in the second round tomorrow. Pirates won the U-19 clash.
Desperate
It remains to be seen if the juniors’ result will serve as a bad omen for Inkunzi, who will be desperate to break the Pirates jinx, which has seemingly spread to their development team. Pirates deserved the win as they created good chances with build ups from the middle of the park and were rewarded with a goal three minutes before the half-hour mark. They scored through Simanga Mthembu who converted from the penalty spot. Highlanders only picked up the tempo in the second half
RESULTS:
PLE Under-19 League (Week 5): Played on Thursday
Ns. Hotspurs 2-9 R. Leopard
Played yesterday
M. Highlanders 0-2 M. Pirates M. Swallows 2-4 D. Sundowns Y. Buffaloes 1-2 G. Mamba
Playing on Monday
Tambuti Sports Ground:
Madlenya vs Green Mamba Young Buffaloes vs Tambuti
UNESWA Sports Ground:
Highlanders vs Sea Birds Moneni Pirates vs Nsingizini Royal Leopards vs Wanderers
and should have levelled matters when Nuno Do-Santos was put through by Thandokuhle Dlamini in the opening stages of the half, but the latter missed the target with the keeper to beat.
However, their rivals remained aggressive and showed more urgency on the ball which caused Highlanders trouble as much as they pressed for the evasive equaliser.
PLE U-19 LOG:
Pirates had the ball in the net midway through the half but the goal was not allowed after a foul on the goalkeeper. There was no denying the Sea Robbers in 78th minute when striker Owenkhosi Gamedze, who took a good shot from the edge of the box, which was too powerful it hit the back of the net. The match finished 2-0 in Pirates’ favour.