‘ Mlilo’ ires Leopard past Sea Birds

Sea Birds................( 0) 1

Sinethemba 57th

R. Leopard.............( 0) 2

Junior 61st, Mlilo 65th

MBABANE – Royal Leopard had to come from behind yesterday against a resilient Manzini Sea Birds to collect the full points.

Super s u b s t i t u t e Zweli ‘ Mlil o ’ Nxumalo was the hero of the day for the police side, as the experienced former national team Sihlangu midfielder came off the bench to secure the full points for his team. He was on target around five minutes on the field of play after coming on early in the second half.

He had replaced midfielder Junior Magagula, who scored the equalising goal for Leopard after Sea Birds took the lead just before the hourmark. Mlilo ( fire), like his nickname, let loose a rocket from long range and caught the goalkeeper napping as it landed in the back of the net.

This turned out to be the winner for the Edwin Matsebula- coached side that retained its six- point lead at the summit of the MTN Premier League log as second- placed Young Buffaloes also managed a narrow 1- 0 win against Mbabane Highlanders, who beat them 20 in the first round.

Leopard defeated Sea Birds 1- 0 in the first round. Meanwhile, Junior’s goal in the 61st minute tap- in beat goalkeeper Bafana Ngwenya who had a good game as he made a few saves early on.

Sea Birds had broken the deadlock i n t h e 5 7 t h t h r o u g h Si n e t h e mba Dlamini, who was well picked by vet e r a n winger Xolani ‘ Chocco’ Sibandze to easily beat the goalie.

Entertaining

It was otherwise a very entertaining match with both sides playing some good f ootball and showing hunger. It was an all- important win for Leopard, who would have seen their six- point lead cut to three had they lost with six more games to play before the curtain falls.

Buffaloes and third- placed Mbabane Swallows are both hoping they slip up as they also have a chance at the title. Interestingly, Leopard meet Swallows next Sunday at KaLanga EFA Technical Centre. Meanwhile, the defeat for Sea Birds does not do any harm in as far as their log position is concerned as they remain on seventh with 31 points after 25 games.