‘Buffs’ jump to top spot, end Pirates draw-streak
M. Pirates ....................... 2
‘Shaka’ 30th, Sizwe 71st
Y. Buffaloes ..................... 3
‘Saviola’ 4th, Ali 62nd, Lizwe 90+5th
MANZINI – Young Buffaloes took off late to steal the show against Moneni Pirates and worsen their relegation woes in a MTN Premier League match played here yesterday.
In a five-goal thriller, former Pirates star Lizwe Zwane came off the bench to score the winner, which sink the ‘Sea Robbers’ of Moneni’s hearts in Referee Thembinkosi Dlamini’s added time. Pirates had hoped to get their first win of the season after being consistent with draws. Pirates began their nine-game draw streak from November 5, 2023 with a 2-all draw with Mbabane Swallows before it ended yesterday. However, the result elevated the army-side from the third spot, toppling Mbabane Swallows from second spot. Swallows are playing Nsingizini Hotspurs today.
The result meant nothing for Pirates as the struggles remained the same. They remain at the bottom of the table with 11 points from 17 matches. It was Buffaloes who converted their dominance early, after the first whistle, as Pirates were still trying to establish their footing. In a flat-footed defence, Bongwa ‘Logwaja’ Matsebula delivered a cross that Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze nodded home, taking his league tally to eight goals. The Gcina Dlamini charges were not intimidated, and settled into the game, posing a threat with Wandile ‘Shaka’ Simelane as Mpumuzi ‘Bhada’ Sangweni and Malibongwe Malinga pressed hard on the wings. On the 30th minute, ‘Shaka’ levelled matters, capitalising on a disorganised army-defence. ‘Bhada’ picked ‘Shaka’ advancing, who slipped through the defence and fired a low shot that Mlungisi Nxumalo failed to deal with, taking his tally to four this season.
Both teams came from the break recharged but Pirates looked dangerous to take a shock lead.
Malibongwe dribbled through the defenders in the 58th minute but Nxumalo blocked it from the near post. A minute later, ‘Shaka’ came close to completing a brace, but headed wide after he had also beaten the goalkeeper.
Two minutes after the hour mark, Ali Matse restored the lead for Buffaloes. ‘Bhada’ was dispossessed by Bongiswa ‘Pumba’ Dlamini who picked the advancing Matse who unleashed a ground shot to beat the goalkeeper. Buffaloes’ joy was short-lived as the ‘Sea Robbers’ restored parity nine minutes later. Sizwe Gwebu was a hero with his first touch that wrecked the net after he stepped in for ‘Bhada’.
Their former striker Lizwe haunted them as he snatched the winner with a low volley inside the box deep in added time.