NFD: EZULWInI UTD BEAT RAnGERS In fiERCE RACE
MBABANE – They now face the team’s Disciplinary Committee (DC) on charges of misconduct. That is the story of former Young Buffaloes first elite league title winning coach Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini and his assistant coach
Ezulwini Utd ............. (0)2 Mphucuko 61st, Andile 65th
Rangers ..................... (0)1
Siphephelo 58th
BABANE – It is a dog-eatdog race for promotion to the elite league in the MTN National First Division (NFD) League.
Leaders Rangers, who were relegated from the top flight after just one season back to the NFD this season, were beaten by title-chasing rivals Ezulwini United, also from the elite league last season. Six points stood between the two sides but after this match, it is all down to three points now after matchday 16. Led by former Mbabane Swallows, Mbombela United, Mbabane Highlanders and Denver Sundowns’ physical trainer and assistant coach Siyabonga Bhembe, Ezulwini United have ramped up some good points and crucial wins at this tiny arena inside the capital city.
They added Rangers to the teams they have scarred here with a 2-1 win which they accomplished in the second-half.
MVusisizwe Mahlalela at Lubombo-based side, Tambankulu Callies.
The duo are reported to have crossed swords after the head coach, ‘Ace’, arrived at their Tambankulu Stadium training base but allegedly failed to recognise the assistant’s presence or progress with the session.
They have both been suspended
The calm captain and winger was inspirational with his display for the team, showing hunger and leading by example. He was rewarded with a goal and later the three points as teammate Andile Mamba for his forces to grab all points in the humdinger. He made several attacks, linking superbly with his midfielder and Mamba at the front.
Samkelo Shongwe, Mncedisi Dlamini, Henock Mukaka, Simphiwe Makhanya, Buhle Msibi, Zweli Mndlovu, Belarmino Jose, Andile Mamba, Mphucuko Dlamini, Phiwokuhle Ndzingane
Mduduzi Mngometulu, Simo Mntshali, Sandile Thwala, Mfanasibili Kunene, Sifiso Dlamini, Sibonelo Mhlanga, Sandile Ngcamphalala, Siphamandla Mabuza, Mzwandile Bhembe, Simanga Magagula, Machawe Dlamini
It was their star player in former Mbabane Highlanders and Moneni Pirates winger Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini and midfielder Andile Mamba who netted within five minutes of the first goal to seal an important victory for their team. ‘Smoothies’ hit the target a minute after the hour mark before Mamba added four minutes later. The game started like a house on fire with the hosts slightly better than the visitors. It was the home team that had the first attempt with immediate effect. An impeccable source close to the Lubombo-based side revealed that the two tacticians were suspended after exchanging heated words in full view of the players during one of their training sessions on a certain Monday.
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at goal but Andile Mamba had his 18th minute effort brilliantly stopped by goalkeeper Mduduzi ‘Onyango’ Mngometulu.