‘BUFFS’ JOIN ‘BIG 3’ IN CHARITY CUP

Buffaloes. .... (0)0
G.Mamba......(0)0
Buffaloes won 4-2 on penalties

MANZINI – Young Buffaloes needed the dreaded lottery to shake off fellow security forces ensemble Green Mamba in the race to join the ‘Big Three’ in the main EswatiniTelecom Charity Cup tournament.

After an eventful play-offs tournament at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday, Buffaloes and Green Mamba were the last two teams standing. In the decider, the former prevailed 4-2 on penalties to qualify for the semi-finals of the main tournament to be played on August 5 at a venue to be announced. Manzini Wanderers, Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders will complete the line-up on the main day and will await a draw to be conducted on a date to be confirmed.

Buffaloes twice fired blanks in open play during the games played before guests led by Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala. Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation Managing Director Petros Dlamini was among the over 1 000 spectators who braved the cold weather for the final.

In yesterday’s semi-final, Buffaloes had won 7-6 on penalties against Moneni Pirates after a goalless game in regulation time, but  the failure to score did little to worry coach Dominic Kunene, as his team was resourceful.

For Green Mamba, who thrashed Malanti by 5-1 in their earlier match, it was heartbreak as they were eliminated before President Isaiah Mzuthini Ntshangase. They also created enough chances to earn a ticket to the main festivities. 

After the team fired blanks in the feisty showdown, penalties were inevitable. Green Mamba defender Sanele Tshawuka and striker Solomon Oladele missed from 12 yards out while only Nkosingiphile ‘Nyandoro’ Tsabedze was denied by Thokozani Mkhulisi.
The game had first lived up to expectations, but the players’ legs became heavier as the game progressed. The teams had paraded relatively unchanged sides in the final, with each team having an average of three changes.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: