‘MADZE’ STOPS MAMBA’S MANZINI WANDERERS JINX                           

                     

G. Mamba.............................(1) 0                                        
Banele 37th                                       
Wanderers..............................0) 0                                      

MANZINI - This was not just an MTN Premier League clash, but a game that had more than the three points at stake.    

      
It was a game between Green Mamba and Manzini Wanderers at the Mavuso Sports Centre which was about the other dominating the other.                          
Also, it was about their coaches; Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga of Green Mamba and Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe who worked together at national team Sihlangu. Bulunga was the head and Hlophe the deputy at Sihlangu before their contracts were not renewed last year. Both were on their second game in charge.               

               
For Wanderers, they have never lost to Green Mamba in seven previous meetings in the last three seasons.   Of the seven, Wanderers won two while the rest were draws.             
However, that dominance came a halt yesterday as Green Mamba deservedly won the tie.  Helping them ensure the long standing jinx was broken was defender Banele Dlamini who headed in from six yards in the 37th minute.             

                               
He pounced unmarked on a well weighted Thabo Mngomezulu free kick, beating the goalkeeper with ease.  Just after the break, Wanderers keeper Banele Dlamini was forced to make a reflex save as his namesake had his intended cross turn to a scoring chance when it changed direction towards goal.  

                
Four minutes after the hour mark it was nearly 2-0 but midfielder Njabulo Tfwala saw his effort go past the keeper but cleared on the line for a throw-in.                          
There were a couple of half-chances for Wanderers but they did not really pose any threat upfront. Coach Hlophe even introduced young midfielder Siphesihle Dlamini at the start of the second half only to take him out again 25 minutes later.

Wanderers clearly missed their axed foreign stars who include workaholic Tawana Chikore. A win here would see the maroon and white retain the third spot on 27 points but now remain on 24. Green Mamba took their points tally to 21 with this win.    

                                    
Teams:                                               
G. Mamba - Japter, Thabo, Samkelo, Banele, Sanele, Mxolisi, Njabulo (Phinda), Mcebo (Phathego), Musa, Phinda, Muhle, Siyabonga.                                          
Wanderers - Banele, Nkosiyazi, Ayanda, Menzi, Sihle, Lwazi, Njabulo  (Siphesihle) (Wethu), Sifiso, Mfanafuthi, Kola, Kwanele.

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