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‘SHANA’, DOMBO SINK PIRATES IN HUB DERBY

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Wanderers............................. (1)2
Shana 15th, Dombo 90th+2
Pirates.................................... (0)0

MANZINI – Hub derby ends in Manzini Wanderers’ favour as Moneni Pirates sink. Even without their star striker Aladeoan Kola, Wanderers were simply impressive. Kola missed the game due to suspension after accumulating three yellow cards.


In his absence, Captain Lwazi ‘Shana’ Maziya did what he has done for the club in over five games now, rose high to score from a Mike Dombo corner 15 minutes into the game.


Wingers Mike Dombo and Ali Matse forced two brilliant saves from Pirates keeper Siyabonga Zwane who is an intimidating figure between the goalposts. After a sterling display, Dombo topped it all with a great out-of-the-box volley that beat the Pirates keeper hands down. Pirates finished the game with a man short after referee Thulani Sibandze rightly gave a straight red to defender Thabo Vilakati nine minutes from time for a double footed tackle on the skilful Mike Dombo whose skill was a marvel for the maroon and white fans.


While chances kept coming for Wanderers and a few for Pirates who could not hit the target in the second half, it turned out Maziya’s goal was the difference on the day.
The Weslians as Wanderers are affectionately known were just as wonderful on the ball. They were more comfortable than Pirates and defended resolutely their keeper Romanus Igidimba Ugonna was barely tested the entire first half. However, Pirates also had their exciting moments but lacked in the final third. It was no surprise when Coach Ernest Mavuso rested midfielder Zombodze Dlamini for a workaholic Xolani Ngwenya whose introduction gave them the cutting edge.
Pirates came at Wanderers looking for the equaliser but their efforts were all in vain. From the recess, Wanderers again started brightly with their new midfielder Asamoah Michael very impressive along with winger Mike Dombo, Sicelo ‘Junior’ Simelane, Manqoba ‘Spider’ Maseko and Ali Matse.


The win does not change anything for Wanderers as they remain fourth on 34 points and six away from third-placed Green Mamba with five games to go.
Pirates are also still on 10th despite the defeat as Vovovo who could topple them also lost to Red Lions. That it was a derby was clear with the tension increasing on the grandstands and there were claims for a penalty from Moneni whose last ditch effort was cleared on the goal line three times with the keeper at sea.

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