‘MBHEDZE’ STRIKE SINKS TAMBUTI

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

G. Mamba.............................. (0)1
‘Mbhedze’ 63rd
Tambuti.................................. (0)0

LOBAMBA – A stunning free-kick by veteran midfielder Thembinkosi ‘Mbhedze’ Dlamini got Green Mamba rolling in the new campaign of the MTN Premier League yesterday.

The return of the seasoned midfielder from Malanti Chiefs, where he was on loan, was just what the doctor ordered for Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga’s troops as the lone strike decided the feisty showdown at a nearly empty Somhlolo National  Stadium. Just when the game looked likely to end in a goal-less stalemate, ‘Mbhedze’ exquisitely curled the ball from a free kick from 25 yards to break the deadlock just after the hour mark.

Defeat for the home side, who threw debutant Solomon Oladele into the deep end, would have been like a stab in the heart after dominating the early exchanges.   Their chances in the opening period were headlined by Thabo Mngometulu’s effort which was parried to safety by goalkeeper Thokozani Mkhulisi. The former had connected a devilish Muhle Shiba cross from the left wing.

Tambuti were found wanting in the first 20 minutes, but trusted midfielder Mpendulo Ngidi almost pulled a rabbit out of the hat as he left Phinda Ginindza for dead before testing goalkeeper Siyabonga Simelane with a stinging shot.

The deciding half was less eventful as the players’ legs became heavier. However, the hosts still asked more questions from long range, especially through overlapping full-back, Thabiso Gumbi. 

The Texan Phiri-led ensemble tightened the backdoor, but it did not matter for the green and white ensemble as the damage had already been done. The sound of referee Thembinkosi Dlamini’s final whistle saw Green Mamba bagging their first three points of the season while also stretching their unbeaten run against Tambuti to three matches.

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