TEMPERS FLARE AS LEOPARD CLAIM BRONZE

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

Leopard...................................(0)2
‘Mzoro’ 56th ‘Mlilo’ 78th
Mozambique...........................(0)1
Claudio 67th

LOBAMBA – A wasteful Royal Leopard scored twice in the second half to claim bronze against a stubborn Mozambique in a 2-1 win yesterday.

Following failure to reach the final in the ongoing Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) Games, Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane’s charges were out to redeem their pride when they crossed swords with their neighbours in a bronze medal match at Somhlolo National Stadium.

It turned out to be a tension-filled clash as South African referee Shane Nyoni had to stop the game for about five minutes towards the end as Mozambique players bayed for his blood after Zweli ‘Mlilo’ Nxumalo scored Leopard’s winner from a set-piece 12 minutes from time. One of the players was overhead saying, ‘You must respect us’. Match Commissioner Libnar Sibiya was also called from the stands to assist.

Leopard should have shot themselves in the foot if they failed to have the last laugh after dictating terms for prolonged periods. ‘Nuro’ had made several changes in his regular starting 11, with an unusual but fruitful partnership in the central defence between Machawe Dlamini and Sicelo Mavimbela. The latter usually plays upfront.

Following a less eventful opening half which saw Leopard squandering two great chances through Bonginkhosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini, who was denied by the woodwork, the game came to life after the re-start.  Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini broke the deadlock with an easy header from a Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo cross in the 56th minute.

Mozambique were still on the back foot after the hour mark but Claudio Nhone cancelled the blue and white’s outfit’s lead with a long range stunner that  was too quick for former RSSC United (now Mhlume United ) goalkeeper, Sicelo Dlamini between the ‘sticks’.
Eager to avoid the dreaded penalty shoot-out, Leopard kept their foot on the accelerator, and eventually won a free quick from 22 yards. ‘Mlilo’ curled it in to restore his team’s lead. The strike proved to be decisive for Leopard who went on to finish third in the tournament. 
Most of the activities were concluded yesterday. A closing ceremony is now scheduled for later today instead of Sunday.

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