Wanderers, Madlenya fire blanks in blockbuster

Madlenya ............................ 0

Wanderers .......................... 0

SITEKI – Madlenya have now failed to score in over 360 minutes of league football following a goalless draw with Manzini Wanderers yesterday.

The last time the Lubombo-based side scored in the league it ‘rained in the Kalahari Desert.’ That was back on December 21, 2023 in 1-all draw with Moneni Pirates.

Both sides craved for maximum points when they made the long trip to KaLanga Technical Centre outside Siteki for the feisty MTN Premier League clash yesterday. The final score was not a true reflection of the game, with both teams having minimum three clear cut chances. Wanderers had veteran goalkeeper Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza to thank for the clean sheet as Madlenya came firing from all cylinders after the break.

After a cagey opening period, the game opened up on resumption of play.

Despite reports of skipping training ahead of the game, Wanderers had the needed mileage to match the daring opposition.

Following glaring frailties upfront, Wanderers sacrificed the ineffective duo of seasoned forward Simanga Shongwe and enterprising midfielder Sandile Maseko for Bongani Dlamini and Mfanzile Mdluli. Grafter Colani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze was also introduced to bring stability in midfield.

However, towards the hour mark, Wanderers were living dangerously at the back, with Mncedisi Magagula the point of reference for Madlenya upfront. In the 69th minute, ‘Nkomishi’ made a point blank save to deny Magagula. In response, Wanderers’ Bongani Dlamini saw his glancing header from a Ndumiso Dlamini cross narrowly missing the target.

It was see-saw in the last 10 minutes, with Madlenya’s Sithembiso Msibi forcing ‘Nkomishi’ to make a one-handed save from a low shot on the edge of the box in the 85th minute. There was time for more drama, as Wanderers’ Mdluli beat the Madlenya goalkeeper Mndeni Lukhele only to be denied by the woodwork, much to the frustration of the over 50 boisterous away side’s loyalists. While dishing out an impressive display at the end, the sides were still level-pegging when Referee Mciniseli Zama Sithole signalled for the end of proceedings.

With fellow relegation candidates Ezulwini United also playing to a goalless draw against Illovo, Wanderers remain a place above the drop zone. Madlenya also remain in mid-table and are slowly slipping away from the top four.