‘MSHENGU’ BRACE SINKS PIRATES

(At Mavuso Sports Centre)

Pirates .................................... (1)1
Mxolisi 6th
Buffaloes ............................... (0)2
‘Mshengu’ 53rd, 85th

MANZINI – Young Buffaloes came from a goal down to sink a resolute Moneni Pirates yesterday.

Pint-sized forward Nhlanhla’Mshengu’ Kunene’s second half brace ensured the security forces ensemble completed a double against the opposition in the fast flowing MTN Premier League encounter played  at Mavuso Sports Centre. The hosts, known for spraying neat passes across the field of play, had started brightly, unsettling the visitors as early as the sixth minute through promising forward Mxolisi Mabaso. He fired home from a rebound after goalkeeper Phumlani Ngobese spilled the ball on his path from a Thabiso Gumbi long range effort.

Buffaloes could not find their rhythm at first but eventually woke up from their slumber towards the half hour mark. However, the home side still had their foot on the accelerator and almost doubled the advantage on the stroke of half time through enterprising youngster Bongani Ndzimandze, who was denied by Ngobese from close range.

Buffaloes looked promising after the restart, putting the opposition under constant pressure. They were duly-rewarded in the 53rd minute as ‘Mshengu’ converted substitute Timothy ‘Timo’ Mathonsi’s cross from the right wing. Tempers flared soon after the equaliser as there was serious manhandling among the players after a tackle involving Buffaloes’ Siboniso Mamba and Xolani Ngwenya. The situation calmed a minute later.

‘Timo’s introduction gave  his team more attacking options but Pirates were still creating chances which were wasted on the last third of the pitch by nimble forward, Mfanufikile ‘Fash’ Ndzimandze. 

Buffaloes pressed on to put the game to bed and punished the opposition from a goal-mouth scramble. Substitute Muhle Shiba’s cross was not cleared by the opposition defence, allowing the former Sihlangu striker to complete his brace five minutes from time. It was the last throw of the dice as Charles Bwale’s charges held onto the narrow win, recording a similar result like in the first round. They are still third with 27 points while Pirates have been relegated to the ninth spot. The black and white outfit have 16 points so far.

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