FIVE-STAR ‘BUFFS’ TOO STRONG FOR MALANTI

LOBAMBA – A ‘trigger happy’ Young Buffaloes condemned Malanti Chiefs to their biggest defeat of the season in a 5-1 annihilation here yesterday.

Quick brace hero, Phiwa Dlamini, as well as the trio of Ndoda Mthethwa, Sandile Gamedze and Banele Mkhabela were on target to help the security forces side keep uncrowned first round champions, Mbabane Swallows’ lead at four points after the feisty MTN Premier League clash at Somhlolo National Stadium. For Malanti, who ‘forgot’ to defend in the second half and let in four goals; it was a missed opportunity to reclaim the fourth spot from revived Manzini Wanderers, who are now three points ahead. The result further means Malanti, who are now sixth, have failed to beat Buffaloes in over 450 minutes of football in the league since the 3-1 win on December 14, 2013. It was the burly forward (Ndoda) who earned his side a dream start as he peeled off Thembumenzi Mayisela in defence to steer home the opener in the second minute. Ndoda was banging hard on Malanti’s backdoor during the early exchanges, forcing goalkeeper, Ntokozo Shabangu, to make a desperate save with his right foot at one point.

However, Malanti grew in confidence towards the half-hour mark, but Sandile Mazibuko opted to sky his effort with only shot-stopper, Nhlanhla Gwebu, to beat. However, the hosts kept pressing as the opponents were slow to react. The persistence paid dividends as Potego Mokoena connected a devilish Sithembiso Simelane cross to beat Gwebu with a beautiful volley four minutes before the break. It was a goal that forced a stalemate during the breather. Floodgates opened on resumption of play as Buffaloes’ wingers were quicker. Lanky striker, Phiwa Dlamini, rose highest to head home a Wandile Maseko cross in the 49th minute. A minute later, the former was celebrating a brace and his team’s third as he looped the ball over Shabangu following a mix-up at the back. Malanti made no attempt to respond, but Senzo Dlamini almost pulled a rabbit out of the hat as his curled effort from a Mokoena supply ricocheted off the woodwork 18 minutes from time. Dominic Kunene’s troops were not done yet as Gamedze put the game beyond the opposition’s reach following another swift attack in the 80th minute. He beat the former Mbabane Swallows goalkeeper with a low shot from close range to punish a flat-footed defence. Mkhabela connected a back-heeled pass from substitute Sanele Ngcamphalala to complete the rout. The sound of top referee, Mbongiseni Fakudze’s final whistle saw the visitors marching to 28 points after round 12 of 13. Malanti, who are now out of the top four for the first time in over a month, remain on 18 points.

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